Ceremonial Opening of the New Tube of the Karawanken Tunnel

On 18 March 2026, the newly constructed tube of the Karawanken Tunnel on the A11 Karawanken Motorway was officially opened with a grand ceremony
Credit/Quelle: ASFINAG

Following a construction period of seven and a half years in total – due to a delay in the contract award and challenging hydrogeological conditions on the Slovenian side – the tunnel, which is just under eight kilometres long, has been completed. This marks the achievement of the next major milestone for this vital link between Austria and Slovenia.

Immediately following the ceremonial opening, preparations began for the diversion of traffic into the new tunnel tube. From 20 March, traffic coming from Slovenia and heading towards Austria was to pass through the new tunnel, whilst the existing tube continued to be used for traffic heading towards Slovenia for about a week. Since 27 March, the new tunnel operates with two-way traffic until the old tunnel has also been completely refurbished. This work will begin immediately afterwards. Completion is scheduled for mid-2029, at which point two-way traffic will also be a thing of the past and the Karawanken Tunnel will meet the high safety standards of ASFINAG and the Slovenian DARS. ASFINAG has invested a total of 191 million euros in the construction of the new tunnel, whilst the complete refurbishment of the old tunnel tube represents a further investment of 123 million euros.