New bridge to link two northern Croatian cities

(Photo: Suradnik13/CC BY-SA 3.0)

Plans are moving forward for an important infrastructure project in northern Croatia, which aims to better connect the cities of Varaždin and Čakovec.

The project involves the expansion of the existing state road and the construction of a brand-new bridge across the Drava River.

As Bauštela.hr reported, a preliminary conceptual design and location permit will be developed by a joint team led by Knap and Eptisa Adria, following a contract signed on 8 April 2025 with Hrvatske ceste (Croatian Roads).

The project is valued at around €90,000 including VAT, and is expected to be completed within one year.

The proposed solution will see the current DC3 road expanded into a four-lane route, stretching from Varaždin to the newly planned roundabout at Gornji Kušanec.

A major highlight of the project is the new bridge over the Drava, which will run parallel to the existing one. The total length of the planned road and bridge infrastructure is approximately 1.9 kilometres.

Stari grad Čakovec (Photo credit: Silveerije/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Due to the dense urban development on both sides of the existing road, the project will involve a full reconstruction of the current route, as well as the addition of two new carriageways. The final connection point will be at the roundabout linking the bypass roads of Nedelišće and Pušćine.

The need for the project arises from a desire to improve traffic flow and safety between the two regional centres. The new connection is also expected to support the economic, demographic, and tourism development of the area.

Once completed, the current bridge will continue to serve vehicles travelling from Varaždin toward Nedelišće, while the new bridge will handle traffic in the opposite direction.

Varaždin (Photo: Suradnik13/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Before construction begins, detailed planning and studies must be carried out. This includes creating different route options, conducting an environmental impact assessment, and preparing conceptual, main, and execution-level project plans. Accurate geodetic data will also need to be gathered to ensure that the route design matches the geotechnical conditions of the terrain.

Although construction is not set to start immediately, the project has already received environmental approval from the Ministry, provided that all necessary protective measures are followed.

The initiative spans both Međimurje and Varaždin counties and marks a significant step forward in improving infrastructure in northern Croatia.