Hell on Zagreb Bypass: €42 Million Works to Last a Year and a Half!
Imagine this: you’re driving on the Zagreb bypass, the busiest part of Croatia’s highway network, where traffic is already on the brink of collapse. Now imagine that for the next year and a half, this nightmare will get even worse because of construction works worth a whopping €42 million! Yes, you read that right – €42 million for reconstruction and expansion of the bypass.
What exactly is being done?
Croatian Highways announced the start of works on the Zagreb West – Jankomir – Lučko section, 4.5 kilometers long. The plan is to add a third traffic lane, which sounds like a relief, but to achieve this, the existing bridge over the Dubava river must be demolished and a new one built. Additionally, the entire carriageway will be reconstructed, traffic signaling modernized, and automatic traffic monitoring systems installed.
Environmental standards?
Of course, no project is complete without environmental measures! Noise protection walls and a closed drainage system will be built, complying with stricter regulations. So not only will traffic jams torment us, but noise and water management will be under control – if that’s any consolation.
How will traffic flow during the works?
Works will be carried out under traffic, meaning traffic will continue but with temporary deviations and a temporary bridge. The goal is to minimize disruption to normal traffic flows, but realistically, who believes the jams will be smaller? Zagreb already suffers from traffic jams, and this will only add fuel to the fire.
Why is this important?
The Zagreb bypass was opened as a full-profile motorway with two lanes and one emergency lane in each direction. However, due to urban expansion and growth in transit traffic, its capacity has long been exceeded. This means reconstruction is necessary to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion.
How long will it take and how much will it cost?
Works start next year and will last 18 months. The estimated project value is €42 million. That’s how much it costs us to drive through this hell.
Conclusion
Prepare for years of traffic hell because until this project is finished, Zagreb will be one big construction site. But hey, at least it will be better in the end, right? Or will we all have moved to the countryside by then?
And you, dear readers, what do you think? Is this a salvation for Zagreb traffic or just another expensive and lengthy project that will drive us crazy? Leave your comments, share your experiences, and remember – patience is a virtue, but it has its limits!
Traffic jams and kilometers-long queues
While we prepare for the bypass reconstruction, the Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reports increased traffic on major roads towards the coast and inland. Queues on the A2 motorway near Trakošćan are about 3 kilometers long, and on the A3 near Bajakovo about 1 kilometer. Trucks over 7.5 tons are banned on some state roads, further complicating the situation.
Zagreb chokes on traffic and construction
Donje Svetice street in Zagreb is currently the worst in the city. Vehicle queues stretch for kilometers, and jams are daily. Works on sidewalk renovation and building a new right-turn lane will last until September, but the narrow carriageway remains a problem. New residential complexes only add to the traffic load, and infrastructure does not keep pace with construction.
Conclusion
Zagreb is on the brink of a traffic collapse. Works on the bypass and streets bring hope for the future, but the current situation is far from ideal. While waiting for everything to finish, patience and goodwill are our best allies.
Political and financial aspects
The bypass reconstruction project is worth €42 million, a huge amount for infrastructure. Questions arise about the efficiency of public money spending and transparency in the execution of works. Croatian Highways promise maximum safety and minimal delays, but reality will show how feasible this is.
Final thought
Zagreb is preparing for major changes in traffic, but the road to better traffic flow will be thorny and expensive. While waiting for the works to finish, we can only hope it will be worth the wait and traffic will finally ease.
And you? Are you ready for the traffic hell for the next year and a half? Or do you already have your tricks to avoid jams? Share your tips and stories, because in this chaos, laughter is sometimes the best medicine!
