2 March 2024 - Between Žilina and Vrútky, on the line #180 Žilina – Košice, the Regiojet 1003 Prag – Kosice (Praha hl.n. 7:50 - Košice 16:12) exits the Strečno Tunnel II under the Baniska mountain, while a freight train is crossing Tunnel III.
This area of the Vah River is narrow and meandering. The line was initially single-track. The first tunnel was the tunnel on the right (now tunnel III). It was 22 m shorter with a level crossing right at the tunnel exit for the road that is now above the tunnel portal. When the line was double-tracked a new tunnel was bored on the left and the main road I/18 was rebuilt above the line.
The locomotive is a multi-system Bombardier TRAXX MS 3 built in 2021, number 388 214.
Photo © JM Frybourg – 240302-5279