Croatian summer motorway traffic jams explained as HAC announces new toll system
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Lučko
ZAGREB, 6 August 2026 – Long traffic queues on Croatian motorways during the peak summer season are expected to continue, according to Croatian Motorways (HAC), which says congestion is caused by a combination of high traffic volumes, road design limitations and driver behaviour.
Speaking on Croatian Television’s Studio 4 programme, HAC Traffic Sector Director Hrvoje Ordulj said that summer congestion, particularly around Lučko near Zagreb and the Sveti Rok Tunnel, is difficult to avoid as thousands of vehicles travel towards the Adriatic coast at the same time.
“Everyone wants to reach the coast and everyone wants to return from the coast at the same time,” Ordulj said, explaining that the issue is not only related to toll stations but also to motorway capacity.
He highlighted Lučko as a major bottleneck, where traffic from seven or eight lanes merges into just two lanes, creating unavoidable slowdowns during peak periods.
The Sveti Rok Tunnel also requires special traffic management measures. Ordulj explained that, for safety reasons, traffic may temporarily be stopped at tunnel entrances if an accident, breakdown or excessive traffic density creates a risk inside the tunnel.
He also called on drivers to follow speed limits, dynamic traffic signs and emergency corridor rules. According to Ordulj, foreign drivers generally follow restrictions more consistently, while some domestic drivers continue overtaking and changing lanes aggressively during congestion.
Meanwhile, Croatia is preparing a new motorway toll collection system expected to become operational next year. More than 220 electronic tolling portals are currently being installed across the motorway network, with most infrastructure already in place.
However, Ordulj stressed that a new toll system alone will not eliminate congestion if traffic volumes exceed road capacity.
Future motorway projects include the continuation of the Novi Vinodolski bypass, completion of the Matulji interchange, and the full motorway connection between Istria and Kvarner, expected to advance further after the summer tourist season.
