Slovenian president Borut Pahor has invited Russian president Vladimir Putin to attend the commemoration to mark 100th anniversary of the Russian Chapel, which will take place on 30 July 2016 below  Vršič. All the necessary measures have been put in place by the competent government services to ensure security, given the attendance at such a high level, as well as to minimize inconvenience for the citizens.

On Saturday, 30 July 2016, traffic delays are expected in Slovenia in Ljubljana and the Gorenjska region because of the ceremony at the Russian Chapel (Kranjska Gora, Vršič). Road users are advised not to make any travel plans in the Gorenjska region and Ljubljana for that day. However, if you do need to travel there, plan your route ahead and prepare for possible delays.

We advise that if you need to travel you do so in the morning or early evening when the main transit routes will reopen. The heaviest traffic and worst delays are expected at midday and in the afternoon.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of tragic events under the Vršič pass, in memory of which the Russian Chapel was built. The highest-level security measures are planned due to the attendance of high officials.

Dars letak 1 stran ang DARS: Avoid traffic congestion at the Karavanke tunnel and the A2 motorway 

Due to the measures to be taken, traffic in the Gorenjska region (in the broader area of the Jože Pučnik Airport, on the Gorenjska motorway between Ljubljana and the Karavanke Tunnel and on the A-road between Jesenice and the Vršič pass) and in Ljubljana (on the northern bypass) will be disrupted as roads will be fully closed at times on the route travelled by the protected persons. It will be possible to drive on parallel or bypass roads, but heavy traffic is expected. The heaviest traffic and worst delays are expected at midday and in the afternoon. 

In the area, traffic will be restricted for heavy vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes. For this purpose, a special Decree on road traffic restrictions in the Republic of Slovenia will be issued.

We advise those coming from the Western and Northern Europe who will be travelling towards Croatia to take the road through Italy; those travelling in the opposite direction should take the road through Italy or through Ljubljana and Maribor towards Graz.

We recommend to avoid travelling through the Karavanke Tunnel on the A2 motorway between Slovenia and Austria on 30 July because the tunnel will be closed in both directions on several occasions during the day.

Those travelling the A10 motorway from Salzburg are recommended to take the road towards Italy (A23 motorway towards Tarvisio-Udine-Palmanova) at the Villach junction and then continue towards Slovenia (we recommend to take the A34 motorway, the Villesse?Gorizia section, and then the H4 highway, the Vrtojba?Razdrto section in Slovenia). Drivers should pay special attention to the changed traffic signs which will be displayed even at the entrance to Salzburg.

Those returning towards the north are recommended to take the mentioned Italian motorway or the Koper?Ljubljana section of the A1 motorway and then head towards Maribor and Graz. Drivers coming from Dalmatia (A3) are recommended to use the Croatian A4, the Hungarian M7 and the Slovenian A5 towards Maribor and then Austria. Alternatively, they can take the A2 motorway in the Dolenjska region (Obrežje?Ljubljana). From Ljubljana, they can continue towards Postojna on the A1 motorway and then drive through Italy towards Austria, or take the Ljubljana eastern bypass (A1) towards Maribor and Graz.

Due to the road closures and increased traffic, access to the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport will be obstructed. Passengers travelling on that day are recommended to leave for the airport earlier than usual.

More detailed information regarding this event will be provided in the coming week.

Drivers can also find information about road closures at the Traffic Information Centre (PIC) website.