On December 22, 2025, a section of the D1 motorway between Lietavská Lúčka and Dubná Skala will open, including the longest road tunnel in Slovakia. This 13.5-kilometre section of the D1 will save drivers 30 minutes and ease the heavily congested road under Strečno. While the builders created an impressive feat by tunnelling through the mountain, the Slovak company Betamont gave it “eyes”. It designed and installed a comprehensive information system that continuously monitors what is happening on the motorway and responds immediately in case of danger.
When the system “sees” every car
The Highway Information System (HIS), which Betamont completely designed and built, acts as the highway’s nervous system. Dozens of cameras, sensors, and devices continuously monitor traffic. Before and after the Višňové tunnel, the company installed 10 latest-generation PTZ cameras – used for the first time on the NDS highway network. These cameras can track vehicles in motion, zoom in on specific locations, and provide HD quality images even in low visibility.
“Cameras are only part of the system. The key is that all devices communicate with each other via more than 23 kilometers of fiber optic cables. Counters record traffic intensity, weather stations measure weather, and LED signage reacts to the current situation,” explains the project’s technical manager.
First time on Slovak highways
For Betamont, the D1 highway section Lietavská Lučka – Višňové – Dubná skala was an opportunity to introduce new technologies to the Slovak highway network. For the first time in NDS history, LED variable message signs from partner company Chainzone were used – a total of 65 units. These modern signs consume less energy and are more visible under all conditions. The company also manufactured all technological distribution boards precisely tailored to the project.
A key safety element is the emergency call pillars – six units strategically placed along the tunnel. In the event of an accident, drivers can immediately contact the dispatcher, who, thanks to the camera system, knows exactly where the caller is located.
Safety is a priority
For the operation of the 7.5-kilometer tunnel, safety is an absolute priority. Betamont therefore installed a comprehensive electronic security alarm system in the tunnel portal buildings, ventilation shaft, and bridges. The system immediately detects any unauthorized entry into technical areas.
“A modern highway section must be intelligent; technologies before and after the tunnel must be able to communicate with the tunnel’s technologies. They must be able to warn drivers of danger and stop traffic in case of an accident. All of this is ensured by our system, which operates redundantly – if one part fails, backup components take over its function,” says the technical manager.
Betamont also implements projects worldwide
The D1 Lietavská Lúčka – Višňové tunnel – Dubná skala section is another project in Betamont’s portfolio, confirming that Slovak technologies can compete with the world’s best. The company has similar projects not only in Slovakia but also in Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Great Britain.
“Every project moves us forward. This project is proof that we can implement complex systems for the most demanding infrastructure projects,” concludes Vladimír Lenoch, adding that when drivers pass through the new 13.5 km long D1 highway section and enter Slovakia’s longest tunnel on December 22, dozens of cameras and intelligent systems designed by Slovak experts will watch over their safety.
D1 Lietavská Lúčka – Višňové tunnel – Dubná skala section in numbers:
- Tunnel length: 7.5 km (longest in Slovakia)
- Entire D1 section: 13.5 km
- Fiber optic cables: over 23 km
- Cameras: 10 units (first AXIS on NDS network)
- LED traffic signs: 65 units (first ChainZone on NDS network)
- Emergency calls: 6 units
- Time saved: 30 minutes
