July the 2nd, 2026 – Croatia is planning the future Zagreb-Karlovac motorway third lane with the use of EU funding. The project will significantly increase the road’s stretched capacities.
As Poslovni/Sinisa Malus reports, Croatia is currently busy preparing a major expansion of the motorway connecting Zagreb and Karlovac, with funding for the construction of a third lane expected to come from European Union funds.
Transport Minister Oleg Butković announced that the project is moving forward as part of Croatia’s wider plan to improve road infrastructure and increase motorway capacity. The Zagreb–Karlovac section of the A1 motorway is one of the country’s busiest road corridors. It’s especially important during the summer months, when traffic increases significantly due to tourists travelling toward the Adriatic coast from across the country and the continent.
The planned third lane is intended to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and make travel safer for drivers using this key route. According to Butković, securing EU funding would provide important support for the project and allow Croatia to continue investing in modern transport infrastructure. The future motorway upgrade is expected to help address long-standing traffic pressure on the route between the capital and Karlovac, which serves as a major connection toward the coast and southern parts of the country.
The project is part of Croatia’s broader infrastructure development strategy, focused on improving connectivity, supporting tourism, and preparing the road network for future demand. Officials believe that expanding the Zagreb–Karlovac motorway will bring very many long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and millions of visitors who use the route every year.
