Croatian Civil Engineering: The A1 Motorway (Zagreb–Split) is a Vital Lifeline 🚧

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Croatian Civil Engineering

From crisis to concrete: A1 and the Adriatic–Ionian corridor—progress you can drive on.

ᴵⁿ ᵗᶦᵐᵉˢ ᵒᶠ ᶜˡᶦᵐᵃᵗᵉ ᵉᵐᵉʳᵍᵉⁿᶜʸ https://climateclock.world/

🚗 Oldest Section – The first stretch, Zagreb–Karlovac (40 km), was opened way back in 1972, long before the rest of the highway was even started

Imagine cruising down a sleek ribbon of asphalt that slices through dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and glimpses of the sparkling Adriatic Sea—uniting Croatia's bustling capital with its sun-kissed coastal gems. The A1 motorway, often hailed as the backbone of modern Croatia, isn't just a road; it's a symbol of national progress, economic growth, and the bridging of historical divides. From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its role in boosting tourism today, this highway tells a story of ambition, politics, and engineering triumphs.

⛰️ Tunnels Through Mountains – The A1 passes through some of Croatia’s toughest terrain, including the Mala Kapela and Sveti Rok tunnels, each more than 5 km long, making them among the longest in Southeast Europe.

🏖️ Gateway to the Sea – Before the A1 was built, summer traffic jams on the old coastal road (Jadranska magistrala) were legendary. The motorway drastically shortened travel time from Zagreb to Split from 8–9 hours to about 4–5 hours.

The A1 motorway's origins trace back to the early 1970s during the Yugoslav era, when the initial segment from Zagreb to Karlovac was opened in 1972, spanning about 40 km. However, grander plans for a full Zagreb-Split route were shelved until the turn of the millennium. Construction intensified under Prime Minister Ivica Račan's government (2000–2003), which oversaw the completion of key sections like Karlovac to Bosiljevo (opened in 2001, around 20 km) and Bosiljevo to the Mala Kapela Tunnel (completed by late 2003, about 36 km). By the end of Račan's term, roughly 56 km of new roadway had been added, bringing the total progress to approximately 15% of the planned 380 km Zagreb-Split route. This period focused on preparatory works and northern segments, laying crucial groundwork amid post-independence challenges.

🏗️ Political Symbol – The completion of the Zagreb–Split link in 2005 was celebrated as one of the biggest construction achievements in modern Croatian history, symbolizing the country’s post-war recovery

The pace accelerated dramatically under Prime Minister Ivo Sanader's administration starting in 2003. In 2004, major advancements included the Tunnel Mala Kapela to Gornja Ploča, Zadar 2 to Pirovac, and Vrpolje to Dugopolje, pushing the completed length to an estimated 190 km—or about 50% of the route. The crowning achievement came in 2005 with the opening of the final Vrpolje-Pirovac section (33 km), officially connecting Zagreb to Split in a continuous 380 km motorway. This milestone, completed at a cost of around 3 billion euros over six years, was celebrated as a "masterpiece" and a gateway to Europe, slashing travel times from over 8 hours to about 4 hours and spurring economic ties between inland and coastal regions.

🌍 Still Not in Dubrovnik – Even though the highway is often called “Zagreb–Dubrovnik,” it doesn’t actually reach Dubrovnik yet. Today, it ends at Ploče, and the final section is only expected by 2029

Beyond Split, the A1 has continued to evolve. The route was extended to Ploče in 2013, fully operationalizing the Zagreb-Ploče corridor. As for the long-awaited push to Dubrovnik, the southernmost jewel, progress has been slower but is gaining momentum. The Osojnik-Dubrovnik segment remains unbuilt, with travelers currently relying on state roads through Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina or the Pelješac Bridge. However, as of 2025, significant developments have unfolded: Bidding for the most expensive motorway project in Croatia's history—estimated at over €400 million for key sections—has been awarded to Indian firm Afcons Infrastructure for two packages totaling 20.5 km, including extensive tunnels. Construction, delayed from earlier timelines, is set to begin imminently, with completion targeted for 2029. This extension will transform access to Dubrovnik, enhancing tourism and regional connectivity.

🌉 Pelješac Bridge Connection – To avoid passing through Bosnia and Herzegovina (at Neum), the A1 will connect to Dubrovnik using the Pelješac Bridge and roads across the Pelješac peninsula.

As Croatia looks ahead, the A1 motorway stands as a testament to resilience and vision, evolving from a fragmented dream into a seamless artery pulsing with life. Whether you're a traveler chasing sunsets or a local commuting for work, this highway promises even greater adventures on the horizon—paving the way for a more connected future.

We will attack the entire route, including the tunnel, all at once, with the entire Croatian civil engineering sector. The Zagreb-Split motorway will be built by 2005.Prime Minister Račan said ahead of the government session in Split

References

🏞️ Tourist Highway – Nicknamed the “Dalmatina,” the A1 is the main summer artery for millions of tourists heading to the Adriatic coast.

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