New route agreed for long-awaited Dubrovnik fast road

(Illustration)

After nearly three decades of delays, progress has been made on the planned fast road linking Dubrovnik Airport in Čilipi with the city of Dubrovnik.

A new route has now been selected, following the abandonment of a previous option that would have crossed the Ombla River.

The development marks a significant step forward for one of southern Croatia’s most anticipated infrastructure projects.

Speaking in an interview on Dnevnik Nova TV, Hrvatske ceste director Ivica Budimir confirmed that an agreement on the route has finally been reached after a series of meetings with local authorities.

According to Budimir, several route options had been under consideration, but the process has now been narrowed down to two main variants, with one selected as the preferred solution.

He stressed that the earlier proposal involving the Ombla River is no longer under consideration. Instead, the new alignment will retain the existing Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge as part of the connection.

Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge

Further technical refinements of the chosen route are currently underway, with additional variant solutions expected to be completed by September.

Once this phase is finalised, the environmental impact assessment process will be relaunched.

Budimir noted that this process had previously begun several years ago but was halted following a public consultation.

The estimated value of the project stands at around €350 million, although Budimir cautioned that it remains difficult to determine a precise final cost at this stage.

The planned fast road is seen as crucial for improving access to Dubrovnik, particularly during the busy tourist season, and for strengthening the region’s overall transport infrastructure.