The Karavanke tunnel linking Slovenia and Austria was given a "pass" grade in the assessment of 31 motorway tunnels across Europe by the German car association ADAC. The tunnel's biggest shortfalls are the lack of escape routes and poor lighting, issues that the Slovenian motorway company DARS promised would be addressed.
According to DARS, plans are underway to improve lighting in the nearly eight-kilometre tunnel, which is run by DARS and its Austrian counterpart ASFINAG. A traffic guidance system will also be installed this year.
Further plans for the tunnel envisage an upgrade to the ventilation system in the middle section, a new fire warning system and upgrades to the sprinkler system and video surveillance.
The tunnel is to be upgraded gradually until 2019, when either an escape route or a second tube is to be built, Dars said.
Karavanke tunnel is the only single-tube tunnel in on the Slovenian motorway network.
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