The completion of works on the cross-border bridge in Gradiška, one of the most important projects on the River Sava connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, was marked on 29 July. The European Union co-financed the construction of the bridge with €3.2 million in grants combined with a €5.6 million favourable loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The 430-metre bridge will connect the Route 2a motorway in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the expressway in Croatia that is under construction and which will run from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina via Okučani to the border with Hungary. Together with the border crossing, the bridge will provide a connection to the Trans-European Core Network on Corridor Vc and become a game-changer for the local economy.

Once opened for transport, the Gradiška Bridge will significantly reduce waiting times at the border and facilitate a faster and safer route for businesses and citizens of BiH and the region, leading to improved growth and new job opportunities. The project is an important step towards the integration of the Western Balkans within the European Union’s Connectivity Agenda, intended to improve infrastructural links in the region.

This is the second cross-border bridge over the Sava River co-financed by the European Union in BiH. Last year saw the opening of the bridge, motorway and border crossing in Svilaj for which the European Union provided €25 million in grants.

The EU has so far allocated over €640 million in grants for 19 projects in BiH in the transport sector, including several sections on Corridor Vc, but also railways, waterways, and ports. The country has greatly benefited from the EU Connectivity Agenda and now also from the Economic Investment Plan.

Story on Gradiška Bridge