Background

The R1 Project consists of the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of three main sections of the 2×2 lane R1 motorway between Nitra and Tekovske Nemce, as well as the Banska Bystrica Northern Bypass, covering a total length of 51.6-km.
The R1 Project was developed to improve an important transport corridor for western Slovakia, to improve the road’s safety (number of fatalities is down by more than 90% since opening) and to aid economic development in the region.
Other key objectives of the Project were to minimise the environmental impact of the infrastructure and to promote employment and better quality of life for local communities, by improving connectivity with a modern highway.

Stage:

In Operation

ESG/SDG Key Facts

Foundation Via Pribina was started in July 2012 to provide financial support (c. €200k/year) to civic associations and non-profit organisations implementing health, social, sport, education and volunteering projects throughout Slovakia. During the Grant Call 2025, a total of €236k (2024: 215k) will be distributed to 19 organizations across Slovakia. These projects cover a large range of themes from neuro rehabilitation of pediatric patients to jumpstart confidence in orphaned children, supporting mental health at any age, expanding the capacity of the Mobile Hospice as well as aid individuals by creating protected work environments for homeless individuals or those with physical and mental disabilities, and creating protected work environments for homeless.

SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean energy)

96 photovoltaic panels installed in H1 2023 and generated 26% of the electricity at the O&M center in 2024.

The project company will replace LED at the Operation and Maintenance Centre. The replacement campaign started in Q1 2025 and shall be completed in 2026.
A physical battery for storing any additional energy generated by the PVs will be installed in 2025.
Additionally, a solar water heater was integrated to the car wash facility in 2024.

SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
The project company will replace LED at the Operation and Maintenance Centre. The replacement campaign started in Q1 2025 and shall be completed in 2026. A physical battery for storing any additional energy generated by the PVs will be installed in 2025.
Additionally, a solar water heater was integrated to the car wash facility in 2024.

SDG 15 (Life on Land)

SDG 15 (Life on Land) – In autumn 2024, WWF launched a biodiversity project on three roadside slopes, managing 7,000 m² of vegetation and collecting 560 kg of biomass. In January 2025, the first comprehensive report was produced by WWF.
Vegetation monitoring in April and August 2024 identified 40 plant species beneficial to pollinators. Butterfly monitoring in August 2024 recorded 15 species, including Lycaena Dispar (Large Copper Butterfly), an EU protected species. To enhance biodiversity, over 300 native seedlings were planted, and 20 kg of Yellow Rattle seeds were sown. Selective mowing in October 2024 resulted in the removal of 560 kg of biomass, with 16 big bags of organic material composted.

Public engagement will be strengthened through educational exhibits, social media outreach, and conservation seminars.
These efforts align with WWF-SK’s long-term strategy to create sustainable pollinator-friendly habitats along the Via Pribina highway.
The project will continue monitoring and plans to deliver a maintenance manual in 2026.

Photo credit @PhotoMartini