Croatia is set to embark on its most expensive highway project yet, a €1.2 billion initiative to connect Dubrovnik with the mainland. The highway will link Metković to Dubrovnik in two phases: the first reaching the Pelješac Bridge and the second prioritizing the stretch from Dol to Dubrovnik. However, a critical gap remains—a lack of a fast road connecting the city to its airport and Montenegro’s border, leaving questions about the project’s overall impact.
The engineering challenges are immense, with 19 of the planned 28 kilometers consisting of tunnels and viaducts through rugged terrain. Initial construction will focus on the Rudine-Slano and Slano-Mravinjac segments, aiming to overcome the geographic and environmental hurdles that have long stalled progress in this region.
Optimistic projections suggest work could begin this year and conclude by 2029, pending the resolution of tenders and permits. If successful, this highway will provide a vital lifeline to Dubrovnik, boosting tourism and trade while cementing its place as a more accessible part of Croatia. Yet with high costs and complex terrain, the project faces significant challenges ahead.
