Bratislava, Slovakia - October 14, 2025
The National Highway Company, Inc. (Národná diaľničná spoločnosť, NDS) has officially awarded a major road construction contract worth €261.3 million (excluding VAT) to Skanska SK a.s. for the D3 motorway section between Kysucké Nové Mesto and Oščadnica. The project, declared a strategic national investment, is a key component of Slovakia’s efforts to enhance its trans-European transport network and improve connectivity in the Žilina Region.
A Strategic Investment for the Kysuce Region
The awarded project covers the design and construction of a 9.6-kilometre section of the D3 motorway, starting near Kysucké Nové Mesto and extending to Oščadnica, within the districts of Kysucké Nové Mesto and Čadca. The section will feature multiple bridge structures, complex terrain alignment, and dual-level driving lanes across steep forested areas.
The construction is scheduled to last 1,280 days (approximately 3.5 years) from contract commencement. Once completed, the motorway will significantly reduce congestion and traffic emissions, especially from heavy freight vehicles along the existing I/11 corridor, improving both regional mobility and road safety.
Procurement Details and Participants
The open tender procedure attracted five bids, with Skanska SK emerging as the lowest-priced, compliant offer, valued at €261,319,652.39. The estimated contract value at tender launch was €307.3 million, indicating a competitive bidding environment.
The procurement falls under Directive 2014/24/EU and complies with the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). Although not initially financed by EU funds, the project may later receive co-financing under EU infrastructure programs, according to NDS.
The evaluation criterion was based entirely on price (100%), underlining the government’s commitment to transparent and cost-effective procurement. Approximately 22% of the works will be subcontracted, covering specialized fields such as bridge and road construction, engineering networks, and archaeological monitoring.
About the Contracting Entities
The National Highway Company (NDS), headquartered in Bratislava, oversees Slovakia’s motorway development and maintenance under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport. The organization continues to deliver critical infrastructure under the country’s long-term D3 motorway expansion strategy, linking Žilina to Poland and the Czech Republic through the Kysuce corridor.
Skanska SK a.s., a subsidiary of the global Skanska Group, is one of Slovakia’s leading construction firms, specializing in transport, civil, and industrial infrastructure. With decades of experience in large-scale projects, Skanska’s selection reinforces its reputation for delivering high-quality, sustainable road construction across Central Europe.
Broader Economic and Regional Impact
The D3 Kysucké Nové Mesto - Oščadnica section is expected to boost regional economic growth by improving access for logistics, trade enviroment, and tourism. The project aligns with the Slovak government’s strategy to reduce traffic bottlenecks on one of the country’s most congested routes and support cross-border mobility within the Carpathian region.
Designated as a strategic investment under Act No. 142/2024, the motorway’s development underscores the Slovak government’s focus on infrastructure modernization and sustainable mobility solutions.
Construction is set to begin following final administrative approvals, with the completed section poised to become a vital link in Slovakia’s northern transport network.
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