Ljubljana - Infrastructure Minister Jernej Vrtovec has signed a protocol with local mayors on the construction of a new road link between the northern Gorenjska and the western Primorska regions. Thus, an important step was made towards the implementation of the project, called the 4th development axis, according to the minister.

The protocol, which is very similar to a letter of intent, was signed on Wednesday with the mayors of Cerkno and Gorenja Vas-Poljane, Gašper Uršič and Milan Čadež, respectively.

The protocol outlines future steps for drafting a spacial plan and other activities for a modern road between the towns of Cerkno and Hotavlje.

Vrtovec said one of his priorities was to create a good primary infrastructure in the country, as good roads were key to economic development and settlement of the areas.

He announced more activities for the implementation of the 4th development axis project next year, when existing roads should be modernised in the first phase, while in the second new roads are to be built.

A new road connecting Primorska and Gorenjska is expected to significantly boost development opportunities, especially of the northern part of Primorska.

According to Čadež, today's protocol is a continuation of 15 years of efforts to find the best suitable route for the road. A breakthrough was achieved last year, when the mayors agreed on the most feasible route, he said.

The Infrastructure Agency has worked on several possible solutions for the route between Cerkno and Gorenja Vas and prepared three best options. In the autumn of 2019, the environmental, spatial and economical feasibility of the three options for the 4th development axis between Cerkno and Hotavlje was examined before being presented to the mayors.

The mayors agreed the best option is the southern route that runs through the existing Hotavlje-Sovodenj road and envisages an almost two-kilometre tunnel in Podklanišče. The road then enters the Cerknica valley and connects to the main road near Želin.