July the 28th, 2026 – Approval has been granted for the construction of a key Croatian four-lane road section, and it is being hailed as one of the country’s most significant motorway projects.
Croatian drivers are a step closer to improved transport links after the government approved the construction of one of the country’s most important road projects. The decision clears the way for the development of a new four-lane section that is expected to improve traffic flow, increase road safety and strengthen connections between key parts of the national road network.
The approval relates to the 21.9-kilometre Podravska Expressway section between Pitomača and Virovitica, after the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition completed the environmental impact assessment and declared the project environmentally acceptable.
The project has received official approval following the completion of the necessary planning procedures, allowing preparations for construction to move forward. Poslovni reports that the new road section will be built with four traffic lanes, significantly increasing capacity compared with the existing road and helping to reduce congestion, particularly during periods of heavy traffic. According to the project plans, the upgraded route will form part of a wider transport corridor designed to improve connections between regions, shorten travel times and support economic development. The investment is also expected to enhance access for businesses, tourism and freight transport.
The planned road will include modern infrastructure designed to meet current safety standards, with features aimed at improving traffic efficiency and reducing the risk of accidents. Officials say the project represents one of the country’s most significant transport investments in recent years.
The approval marks an important milestone, but several stages remain before construction begins, including the completion of procurement procedures and the selection of contractors. Once the boots are actually on the ground, the project is expected to be carried out in multiple phases.
The new four-lane road is otherwise a large part of Croatia’s broader strategy to modernise its transport infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country. Once completed, it is expected to make journeys faster, safer and more reliable for both local residents and visitors, while supporting long-term economic growth.
