Dubrovnik motorway link to transfom Croatia 

Croatia is embarking on its most ambitious motorway project yet, connecting Dubrovnik to the rest of the country’s network. With challenging terrain and a €1.2 billion investment, this long-awaited project promises to improve safety and boost regional connectivity.

The most optimistic estimates suggest that construction on the first section should begin this year and be completed by 2029. This involves a total of 47 kilometres of motorway, along with nearly 15 kilometres of connecting roads.

Over the next few years, Croatia is expected to complete its motorway network, with the key remaining link being the connection between Dubrovnik and Metković.

The construction of this motorway, considered the most expensive in Croatia, will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves building the section from Osojnik to Dubrovnik, followed by the section from Metković to the Pelješac Bridge.

According to HRT, the investment is valued at a staggering €1.2 billion. The high cost is attributed to the challenging terrain, with 19 out of the 28 total kilometres of this section requiring viaducts and tunnels.

On one side of the motorway will be the sea, and on the other, the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“This is essentially the most difficult type of terrain for building motorways. The number of viaducts, bridges, and tunnels required is indicative of the challenge. Additionally, this is a densely populated area, so it will be crucial to plan the junctions and connections carefully to ensure the road’s full functionality,” said Associate Professor Marko Ševrović of the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences at the University of Zagreb.

“I would argue that the most important aspect of this motorway is traffic safety. The current state road, the D8, is highly dangerous, with frequent accidents. Even if there were no other reason for building this motorway, safety alone justifies it. Of course, it is also critical for connecting Dubrovnik to the rest of Croatia’s motorway network,” Ševrović added.

The most optimistic timeline predicts that work on the first section will begin this year and conclude by 2029, comprising 47 kilometres of motorway and nearly 15 kilometres of connecting roads.

“It has been announced that the tender process will close early this month, after which a contractor will be selected. We are hopeful there will be no appeals, although we cannot rule them out. Our aim is to begin physical work on this section within the year. While it is undeniably expensive, the strategic, economic, and security benefits of connecting Dubrovnik with the rest of Croatia are priceless,” emphasised Nikola Dobroslavić, Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County.