Split makes biggest transport leap in decades with new tunnel project

(Photo: Grad Split)

Split is undergoing its most significant transport transformation in decades as major infrastructure works continue on the wider city network.

On Friday, Mayor of Split Tomislav Šuta, President of the Croatian Roads Board Ivica Budimir, and Podstrana Mayor Mijo Dropuljić visited the construction site of the Karepovac junction and the Gladnjici tunnel.

The 340-metre dual-tube tunnel forms part of the new 2.5-kilometre Mravince–TTTS road, designed to relieve chronic congestion in the Split area.

Recent works already completed include the Mravince junction, a supporting wall, and a series of overpasses in Mravince and Dračevac.

(Photo: Grad Split)

Mayor Šuta underlined the importance of these projects for the future of the city.

“Traffic has been a long-standing problem in Split, but things are now changing decisively. By 2027, this entire route from Mravince to TTTS will be operational. The TTTS roundabout is currently in public procurement, and the tender for the TTTS–Grljevac section will follow shortly,” he said.

Šuta added that projects once considered only on paper are finally entering the realisation phase.

“Thanks to historic investment, Split is experiencing the biggest transport breakthrough in decades,” he said, announcing further works, including reconstruction of Zagorski put, Poljička cesta, and its pedestrian bridge linking Mertojak and Visoka.

(Photo: Grad Split)

Plans are also in motion for a new Split–Kaštela bridge, while the long-anticipated extension of Vukovarska Street is expected to begin in early 2027.

Croatian Roads chief Ivica Budimir confirmed that €500 million is currently being invested across the Split agglomeration.

“The Mravince–TTTS section will open in spring 2027. The Karepovac junction will also play a key role in waste management, providing a route for lorries towards Lećevica, alongside a new transfer station,” he explained.

Budimir also announced that work on the Dugi Rat–Omiš section will start in six months, while projects are being prepared for the Grljevac–Hotel Lav route and a TTTS–Perun quarry road, which would ease traffic towards Žrnovnica and through Podstrana.

(Photo: Grad Split)

By the end of the year, a building permit is expected for the new road link from the Kozjak tunnel to Kaštel Kambelovac and the D8 state road.

(Photo: Grad Split)

Podstrana Mayor Mijo Dropuljić welcomed the long-awaited start of works, stressing that they will significantly improve the quality of life for local residents.

(Photo: Grad Split)

The Mravince–TTTS project, along with its supporting infrastructure, has been described as one of the most important steps in modernising Split’s road network and addressing the city’s long-standing traffic challenges.