€200 million transport investment to transform the Croatian capital
- by croatiaweek
- in News
This week, the Mayor of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević, unveiled plans for investments in five new road routes, marking the first major road and tramline projects in the city in 20 years.
Zagreb has seen a significant rise in car usage, with 34% more vehicles than 10 years ago. To reverse this trend, the city requires massive investments in public transport, which have been lacking for years, the City of Zagreb said.
As a result, Zagreb has launched public transport investments worth over €200 million, focusing on trams, buses, tramlines, substations, and the necessary infrastructure to build a modern and reliable transport network.
However, it is also clear that many residents still rely heavily on cars for work and personal needs.
To address this, alongside public transport improvements, the city is investing heavily in road infrastructure: Kolakova and Branimirova streets in the east, Sarajevska Street in the south, Jarun Bridge and Medpotoki underpass in the west, and Šarengradska Street as a new entry point to the city centre.
These projects have been in planning since the start of the mayor’s term, with the first phase of Branimirova Street construction starting last year.
Speaking about western Zagreb, Mayor Tomašević highlighted that the Jarun Bridge is planned as a crossing over the Sava River, connecting the extended Vrapčanska Street to Zagrebačka Avenue and Jadranska Avenue:
“This project will improve the connection between western Zagreb and Novi Zagreb, while also providing another exit to the ring road. Additionally, a new tram corridor will be built, crossing the bridge from Horvaćanska Road and linking to the future National Children’s Hospital in Novi Zagreb.”
The western Jarun Bridge will span 625 metres, with two separate lanes, a central tram track, and pedestrian and cycling paths on both sides. Alongside the bridge, new roads will be built connecting to Jadranska Avenue and Horvaćanska Road, with contracts already signed for their detailed design.
In the north-western part of the city, an underpass will be constructed at the intersection of Medpotoki Street and Bologna Avenue. The extended Medpotoki Street will be around 400 metres long, featuring two lanes, a central divider, and pedestrian and cycling paths on both sides.
This project will also include the reconstruction of a section of Mahatma Gandhi Street, which will gain new parking spaces, as well as parts of Sigetje Street and Samobor Road, which will be expanded to three lanes in the underpass area with additional cycle lanes.
Zagreb is already extending Branimirova Street, with the first of three phases completed. In 2025, work will begin on extending Rudolf Kolak Street to create a northern bypass in the east of the city.
Next week, construction starts on Sarajevska Road in the south, featuring 1.8 kilometres of roadway and 2.25 kilometres of tramline connecting Dubrovnik Avenue to the marshalling yard, improving traffic flow at the city’s southern entrance.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb
Last week, a major new road project was also announced in the city centre—the construction of Šarengradska Street, a long-overdue development aimed at relieving congestion on Savska Road and creating a new entrance to the city from the Jadranski Bridge.
“We have launched a series of much-needed investments in road infrastructure that Zagreb has long deserved. These projects, set for completion by 2028, will allow for smoother traffic flow and faster, safer journeys across Zagreb,” concluded Mayor Tomašević.
