Slovakia: D3 near Svrčinovec – full closure set to end on September 2 after more than 50 days

On the Slovak motorway D3 between Svrčinovec and Skalité, the most important border connection to Poland has been completely closed since the beginning of July 2026. After more than 50 days of full closure, the section, including the Svrčinovec and Poľana tunnels, is now scheduled to reopen on September 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM, although this date has already been postponed twice.

Travelers heading to Poland via the Svrčinovec/Zwardoń border crossing should check the current traffic situation once again before departure, as a further extension cannot be ruled out given the history so far.

Which section is affected?

The closed motorway section is D3/E75 between the Svrčinovec and Skalité junctions, including both the Svrčinovec and Poľana tunnels as well as the bridge over the Čadečka. The route is located in the Kysuce region in northern Slovakia, shortly before the border crossing into Poland.

Traffic heading toward Poland is being diverted via the state road I/11 via Svrčinovec-Zátky, and in the opposite direction via the I/12, where a driving ban applies to vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.

Why has the closure been extended multiple times?

The full closure is due to extensive renovation work in both tunnels: the anti-skid road surface is being renewed, the roadway is being waterproofed, and expansion joints are being replaced. In addition, the bearings and transition structures on the Čadečka bridge are being replaced.

The closure was originally due to end on August 17, 2026, then was postponed to August 27, and most recently to September 2, 2026. In total, the construction site will thus reach more than 50 days of full closure.

Tolls in Slovakia

In Slovakia, vignette requirements apply to cars, cars with trailers, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight. Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement. For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, the distance-based toll applies instead, via the electronic eMYTO system using an on-board unit. There is no special toll in Slovakia.

Anyone traveling through other countries in addition to Slovakia often saves money with the Europamaut flat rate: for 12.80 euros per month, vignettes for all supported countries are included, with no minimum term and cancellable at any time.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

For more information, visit our overview page on the Slovakia vignette as well as the page Tolls in Slovakia. Anyone who would also like information about the second major construction site in the country can find all the details in our article on the D1 full closure in the Tatra foothills. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time via email.