Slovakia: Bôrik tunnel on the D1 near Poprad closed at night in September and November
Anyone driving through the High Tatras on the central Slovak D1 motorway between Bratislava and Košice will need to prepare for full night closures over the coming weeks. The state motorway company NDS will be completely closing the Bôrik Tunnel in the Mengusovce-Poprad West section for six nights in September (14 to 23 September 2026) and for four more nights in November (16 to 20 November 2026).
The reason is the tunnel's annual autumn maintenance: the tunnel walls, roadway and drainage system will be cleaned, and the lighting and ventilators will also be inspected. In November, the NDS will additionally install four new flow valves that provide the tunnel's ventilation. The closures will each run between 8 pm and 5:30 am, in some cases until 8:30 pm depending on the direction of travel. During the day, the tunnel will remain open to traffic at all times.
Diversion via Svit
During the night closures, traffic will be diverted off the D1 at the Mengusovce junction and routed back onto the motorway at Poprad West via road I/18 through the town of Svit. Anyone travelling through the High Tatras at night towards Prešov, Košice or further on towards Ukraine should allow extra travel time for this section, especially at weekends when there is more travel traffic heading into the mountain region.
Further restrictions on the D1 in the High Tatras
The Bôrik Tunnel is not the only construction site in the region: a few kilometres further west, the full closures in the Tatra foothills near Poprad will cause diversions on two further dates until 15 November 2026. With its four lanes, the D1 is the country's most important motorway and also the main route for anyone travelling from Bratislava to the hiking areas of the High Tatras or on towards Košice. Travellers should check for current roadworks before setting off, as several closures may overlap this autumn.
Slovakia toll at a glance
For cars (including with a trailer) and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW, the digital vignette requirement applies on motorways and expressways. It is a flat fee for a fixed period. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement.
For trucks and buses over 3.5 t GVW, the distance-based toll via an on-board unit applies instead. Its amount depends on factors such as road category, distance driven and emission class. Motorhomes need only the vignette, regardless of weight. Slovakia has no separate special toll.
All details on tolls in SlovakiaThe vignette flat rate explained
With our vignette flat rate, you save yourself the hassle of buying individually for each trip: for just 12,80 €* per month, it covers the included vignettes in 8 European countries. For each trip, simply select the appropriate vignette, and the toll fee is then already covered by your flat rate. You are not tied to any single country.
*Official Slovak vignette fee (10-day vignette, as of 09/2026): 10.80 €, full coverage of the vignette fee by DMC, flat price (per calendar month): 12,80 €, notice period 0 days.
- One flat rate, 8 countries
- Travel flexibly
- Termination directly in the administration
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
Whether through the Bôrik tunnel, via the diversion through Svit, or further towards Košice: with a valid vignette for Slovakia, you are always legally on the safe side on the D1. We wish you a good and safe journey through the High Tatras!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything important about the closure of the Bôrik tunnel on the D1
What diversion applies during the closures at the Bôrik tunnel?
Traffic is diverted off the D1 at the Mengusovce junction and routed via road I/18 through Svit back onto the motorway at Poprad-West.
When is the Bôrik tunnel on the D1 closed?
Do I need an additional vignette for the diversion route via Svit?
Is the closure at the Bôrik Tunnel the same as the full closures in the Tatra foothills?
