Slovakia: D1 Šibenik tunnel closed in two stages from 16 to 20 October 2026
The Šibenik Tunnel on the Slovak motorway D1 between Levoča and Spišské Podhradie will be closed in two stages for annual autumn maintenance: from Friday, 16 October 2026, in the evening until Monday, 19 October, early morning, and again from Monday, 19 October, in the evening until Tuesday, 20 October, early morning. This was announced by the state motorway company NDS, according to reports from the news agency TASR on 12 October.
The tunnel lies on the central east-west connection between Bratislava and Košice in the Spiš region, between Poprad and Prešov. Anyone travelling east or west during these days should expect a diversion.
The exact closure times
In the first stage, the tunnel will be closed on Friday towards Poprad from 10 p.m. and towards Prešov from 11 p.m., with reopening planned for the early morning hours on Monday. In the second stage, the closure follows on Monday, 19 October, towards Poprad from 5 p.m. and towards Prešov from 6 p.m. On Tuesday, 20 October, traffic is expected to resume in the early morning hours.
Diversion via the I/18
Traffic will be routed in both directions via the road I/18. Towards Poprad, you leave the D1 at Spišské Podhradie and rejoin it at Levoča; towards Prešov, the diversion runs from Levoča to Spišské Podhradie. The I/18 is a regional road, so the vignette is not required on the diversion, but it remains mandatory for the remaining motorway sections of the journey. Which sections are affected is shown in the overview of vignette-mandatory routes in Slovakia.
What is being maintained in the tunnel?
The NDS is cleaning the tunnel walls, walkways, roadway and drainage, and inspecting the fire water pipeline, lighting, fans and emergency call facilities. In addition, the tunnel portals are being geotechnically monitored and the road markings are being renewed.
Further maintenance on the D1 this autumn
Just on 10 October, the five-day closure of the Branisko Tunnel began. Further works will follow in autumn, for example in the Višňové Tunnel until the end of October and in the Bôrik Tunnel in November. In addition, there is the full closure of the D1 in the Tatra foothills until 15 November.
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
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The Vignette Flat Rate team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good and safe journey through Slovakia! You can find all the basics on the vignette requirement in our guide to the Slovakia vignette.
Frequently asked questions about the closure of the Šibenik tunnel
The most important answers about the autumn maintenance in the Šibenik tunnel on the D1.
When is the Šibenik Tunnel on the D1 closed?
The first stage begins on Friday, October 16, 2026, in the evening (towards Poprad at 10 p.m., towards Prešov at 11 p.m.) and ends on Monday morning. The second stage runs from Monday, October 19, in the evening (towards Poprad at 5 p.m., towards Prešov at 6 p.m.) to Tuesday morning.
How do I drive around the tunnel?
Do I need to buy a vignette for the detour via the I/18?
