Hercegovina Bridge on Corridor Vc open for traffic

The opening of the impressive Herzegovina Bridge and the entire Počitelj - Zvirovići sub-section on Corridor Vc took place today in the presence of high-ranking officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. As a vital component of the Corridor Vc motorway, Bosnia and Herzegovina's largest infrastructure project, this major transportation route aims to increase connectivity, while improving travel times, traffic safety and economic relations. This project is financed with the €5 million European Union grant, as well as €105 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) allocated to the entire Pocitelj-Bijača section stretching 21 km.

Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office to Bosnia and Herzegovinaunderlined that the completion of the bridge is a symbol of progress, cooperation and the long-lasting partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. "It gives me great joy to see the official opening of the Herzegovina Bridge today. More than just infrastructure, this bridge symbolizes the power of connection, linking two sides of the Neretva River, uniting communities and countries. It exemplifies what we can achieve when we work together with a common goal for a better future. This bridge will enable faster and safer travel for people and goods, boosting business, tourism and regional development. Furthermore, beyond improving mobility, this bridge plays a crucial role on a larger plan. Together with the Corridor Vc motorway, it will strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina's ties with the EU and the region and deepen economic integration, said Ellero.

In addition to the Herzegovina Bridge, which spans nearly one kilometre across the Neretva River, the Počitelj-Zvirovići sub-section includes the 11.7 kilometres long motorway route, the Počitelj interchange with tollbooths and access roads, an interregional junction, three viaducts, a tunnel and an open road section. This project is part of the EU broader commitment to the development of Corridor Vc, with €870 million in grants provided so far under the Western Balkans Investment Fund (WBIF). This includes funding the construction of 17 subsections and project preparation across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"Together with all partners contributing to this project, we are delighted to see the completion of this pivotal section along Corridor Vc, which creates a direct highway link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and further to the EU. As one of the largest in the region, this impressive new bridge and related road infrastructure will generate new economic opportunities for people in both countries by accelerating trade, commuting and travel. The EIB continues to be a reliable partner for the Western Balkans, with over €15 billion of investments allocated to date, laying the foundation for improved connectivity and prosperity in the region", remarked EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot.

The 325 km long Corridor Vc consists of a major north-south transit road between the countries of the region through Bosnia and Herzegovina. It starts in Budapest, runs via northern Croatia (Osijek), through Bosnia and Herzegovina via Doboj, Zenica, Sarajevo and Mostar and ends in the Croatian port of Ploče.

As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to build and improve its infrastructure, the Corridor Vc is the backbone of the country´s connectivity, strategically vital for its economic development. The success of this project underscores the long-term commitment by the European Union to advancing regional integration and connectivity and facilitating greater economic prosperity for Bosnia and Herzegovina.