VIDEO: How Croatia’s most costly motorway to Dubrovnik will look

Visualisation of the new motorway (HAC/Screenshot)

Croatia is undertaking its most ambitious motorway project to date, connecting Dubrovnik to the national motorway network.

Completing the connection between Dubrovnik and Metković is the final major link in Croatia’s motorway network.

This €1.2 billion investment addresses challenging terrain and promises improved safety and regional connectivity.

The project involves 47 kilometres of motorway and 15 kilometres of connecting roads.

Construction on the first section is expected to start this year and finish by 2029, HRT said.

This is considered the most expensive motorway in the country due to the complexity of the terrain, requiring extensive viaducts and tunnels.

Phase one covers the Osojnik-Dubrovnik section, whilst phase two involves the Metković-Pelješac Bridge section.

Engineering Challenges

The route features difficult terrain with 19 of the 28 kilometres requiring viaducts and tunnels.

Careful planning of junctions and connections is necessary due to the densely populated areas and proximity to the Bosnia and Herzegovina border.

The new motorway will replace the dangerous D8 road, known for frequent accidents.

The tender process is set to conclude soon, with hopes to avoid delays from appeals. Officials highlight the strategic, economic, and security benefits of the project, despite its high cost.

Hrvatske autoceste has released a video showing a visualization of the future motorway route which was published by Index.hr. Video below.