Major avenue and tram line construction in Zagreb set to begin

(Photo credit: D. Rostuhar/Zagreb TZ)

A long-awaited transformation is set to begin in Novi Zagreb in the Croatian capital as Sarajevska Road undergoes a major reconstruction, evolving into a modern avenue with a new tram line, bringing long-promised infrastructure improvements to the area.

Once the construction begins, the contractor will have a deadline of 12 months to develop the avenue, which will feature three lanes in each direction with a new tram line in the central reservation.

The plan is for tram line 8, which currently runs from Zapruđe to Mihaljevac, to extend along the new route to Ranžirni in the future, daily Večernji list reported.

The noise of diggers, the rumble of lorries, and other construction machinery will soon become a daily reality for the residents of Dugave, Hrelić, and Kamenarka in the eastern part of Novi Zagreb.

According to the city administration, the reconstruction of Sarajevska Road, which will become an avenue with a tram line, is expected to commence in September.

This promise, four decades in the making, is now moving forward as all property rights issues, other bureaucratic procedures, and contractor tenders have finally been resolved, clearing the way for work to begin on the reconstruction of the street, which will also include tram tracks.

The new thoroughfare will stretch from the roundabout in Zapruđe to Ranžirni Station, featuring three lanes in each direction, a green belt with two tram tracks, and pedestrian and cycle paths on both sides lined with greenery. In some places, the avenue will be up to 40 metres wide.

A noise barrier will also be installed. Once the work starts, the contractor will have 12 months to complete the project.

The plan is for tram line 8, which currently runs from Zapruđe via the Bus Station to Mihaljevac, to extend along the new route to Ranžirni in the future.

However, as far as the road section is concerned, the new avenue will initially lead – to nowhere! The idea is to connect Sarajevska Road to the Zagreb bypass, which requires a viaduct over Ranžirni Station.

This viaduct is to be constructed by Hrvatske Autoceste, with an estimated completion time of three years. Meanwhile, the deadline for the tender to select a contractor for these works has been extended for the sixth time, with bids being accepted until 2nd October.

(Photo credit: Sandra Tralic)

Heinzelova Street is also set to become a construction site, as it will be equipped with tram tracks as well.

– The construction of the tram line from Zvonimirova Street to the Savišće terminus is expected to begin this year, with procurement procedures for selecting contractors and supervising engineers planned to commence by the end of this year or early 2025. The planned duration of the work is 18 months – according to the city administration.