Severe winds and snow closes numerous Croatian roads

Photo: Croatian Automobile Club (HAK)

26 December 2024 – Strong winds and heavy snow have caused the closure of several roads in Croatia on Thursday.

Along the coast, a strong bura wind is expected to continue, adding to the challenges for drivers.

Today, the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) gave an update of the closures and restrictions. 

Specific Road Closures

Due to gale-force winds or heavy snow, the following roads are closed to all traffic:

A1 motorway Zagreb-Ploče-Karamatići between Sveti Rok and Posedarje (detour for cars: Sveti Rok – DC50 Gračac – Obrovac – Karin – Smilčić – Zadar East junction, and vice versa).

DC1 Korenica-Gračac.

Adriatic Highway (DC8) between Senj and Sveti Marija Magdalena.

Pag Bridge.

DC42 in Poljanak.

DC54 Maslenica-Zaton Obrovački.

DC69 Voćin-Zvečevo-Kamenska.

Various local roads in Gorski Kotar and Lika regions.

Open Roads for Cars Only

The following roads are open exclusively to cars:

A6 Rijeka-Zagreb between Kikovica and Delnice.
DC1 Vaganski Most-Korenica.
DC25 Korenica-Lički Osik.
DC27 Gračac-Zaton Obrovački-Donji Karin.
Various other routes across Croatia, including DC429 and DC522.

Restrictions for Trucks and Trailers

For lorries with trailers and semi-trailers travelling from inland regions to Dalmatia (and vice versa):

From 10:00, they can use the A1 motorway up to the Sveti Rok junction. From there, they must switch to state roads DC50/DC1 from Gračac towards Knin. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must detour around the construction zone near Knin via Kistanje.

Road Access by Region

1. Towards Dalmatia (and vice versa):

All vehicles can use the A1 motorway to the Sveti Rok junction.
Cars can continue on state roads via Gračac, Obrovac, and Karin (DC50 and DC27).
Other vehicles must use state road DC1 towards Knin, detouring around the construction zone near Knin.

2. Towards Rijeka/Istria:

The A6 Rijeka-Zagreb motorway is open to cars only.
Other vehicles must detour between the Kikovica and Delnice junctions via the old road through Gorski Kotar (DC3), which is open to all vehicle types.

Additional Restrictions

High winds have resulted in bans on specific vehicle groups on certain roads, such as double-decker buses, motorcycles, and camper trailers. On the A7 Rijeka East-Šmrika, the restriction extends to delivery vehicles and vehicles with covered cargo areas.

Winter Driving Conditions

Winter road maintenance is ongoing, and delays are reported due to slower-moving maintenance vehicles. Roads in Gorski Kotar and Lika are particularly affected, with snow and ice making many routes impassable for trucks and vehicles without proper winter equipment.

Drivers are advised to check traffic updates on the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) website or app and monitor weather conditions through the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service.