D1 section with Ružomberok bypass and Čebrať tunnel opens

The Transport Ministry announced the opening of the D1 section between Hubová and Ivachnová, including Čebrať tunnel. The route is intended to relieve transit traffic in Ružomberok. Its announcement says the Ružomberok bypass itself can be used without a valid motorway vignette; that does not automatically cover the rest of a journey.

According to the ministry, the new section is about 15 kilometres long, incorporating the 3.6-kilometre Čebrať tunnel and three interchanges. It connects to the existing Liptov motorway at Ivachnová.

The announcement gives an estimated 16-minute journey-time saving, potentially greater during peak traffic. This is a projected section-level benefit, not a guaranteed saving for every trip. Diverting transit traffic is intended to reduce road pressure, noise and pollution in Ružomberok.

Nearly €70 million in EU funding contributed to the project. Geological conditions and landslide areas near Likavka complicated construction; monitoring will continue after opening. Maintenance is assigned to the Liptovský Mikuláš motorway centre. Route planning should distinguish the toll-free bypass from other chargeable motorway sections.