Page "Transport in Slovenia" Paragraph 5

The first highway in Slovenia, the A1, was opened in 1972.

It connects Vrhnika and Postojna.

Constructed under the liberal minded government of Stane Kavčič their development plan envisioned a modern highway network spanning Slovenia and connecting the republic to Italy and Austria.

After the liberal fraction of the Communist Party of Slovenia was deposed, expansion of the Slovenian highway network came to a halt.

In the 90s the new country started the ' National Programme of Highway Construction ', effectively re-using the old communist plans.

Since then about 400 km of motorways, expressways and similar roads have been completed, easing automotive transport across the country and providing a strong road service between eastern and western Europe.

This has provided a boost to the national economy, encouraging the development of transportation and export industries.