Corridor Vc motorway in Croatia set to open

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The final five kilometre stretch of the international Pan-European Corridor Vc motorway, connecting the Hungarian border with Beli Manastir, is close to completion, with the official opening expected at the beginning of October this year.

Construction works are currently in their final stages, with intensive activity focused on equipping the remaining section.

On Friday, representatives of the Croatian Government, local officials, and the management of Croatian Motorways visited the site.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Osijek Mayor Ivan Radić highlighted that the section from Osijek to Beli Manastir was opened less than three years ago and expressed satisfaction at the imminent full completion of the corridor to the Hungarian border.

“Corridor Vc is highly significant for Osijek, the Osijek-Baranja County and the entire east of Croatia, as it connects us with European transport corridors. This not only improves traffic links and shortens travel times, but also opens opportunities for economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment. The City of Osijek will know how to take full advantage of it,” said Mayor Radić.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, Oleg Butković, confirmed the timeline.

“Works are nearing completion. These last five kilometres will be finished by the autumn. In August, we will submit the request for a technical inspection, so by September and early October the motorway will be fully completed. This will mark the end of Croatia’s construction of 88 kilometres of the important European Corridor Vc,” Butković stated.

He emphasised that the Osijek-Baranja County will benefit from improved connections to neighbouring Hungary, adding that the corridor will reach its full potential once the motorway through Bosnia and Herzegovina is also completed.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

The project is being financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Croatian Motorways.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, also stressed the strategic importance of the corridor.

“This is a key link between eastern Slavonia and Europe via Hungary, continuing down to Ploče. It is a vital project for Osijek-Baranja County and for eastern Croatia in general. Transport connectivity is not only important for the economy, but for every aspect of development. Corridor Vc will play a key role in that,” said Minister Anušić, thanking all those who contributed to the project’s realisation.

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Osijek-Baranja County Prefect Nataša Tramišak underlined the corridor’s long-term strategic value.

“Of the total 88.6 kilometres of motorway making up the Croatian section of the corridor, the majority lies within Osijek-Baranja County. That is why its full completion is of exceptional importance to us. This will open up a new perspective for this part of Croatia and all of Slavonia by linking us with central and north-western Europe.

We are aware that Budapest is a major hub for corridors and motorways, and I am confident that traffic through this section, and through Croatia in general, will significantly increase. Major economic opportunities are opening up and it is now up to us to recognise and seize them,” said Prefect Tramišak.

Boris Huzjan, President of the Management Board of Croatian Motorways, spoke about the technical complexity of the final section.

“This five kilometre stretch includes eight major structures, among them a 318 metre viaduct, the most challenging part of the route as it crosses a railway line and river. We thank the contractor Osijek-Kotek for their successful work. With this section open, travel time from Osijek to Budapest will be reduced by approximately 30 minutes,” Huzjan concluded.

Once fully operational, Corridor Vc is expected to significantly enhance regional development and cross-border connectivity, giving a new momentum to eastern Croatia’s integration with broader European transport and economic systems.