Bosnia and Herzegovina is recognised across Europe and the world for its mountains and rivers. However, its citizens also want access to the coast, prompting an initiative to develop a new transport corridor through western Bosnia. In the future, this could become one of the largest infrastructure projects in this part of the country, linking BiH directly to the Adriatic coast and the Croatian motorway network.
The project involves a plan to build an approximately 180-kilometre-long road aiming to connect Bihać, Bosanski Petrovac, Drvar, Bosansko Grahovo, Glamoč, Kupres, and Livno. The vision for subsequent construction phases is to extend the route to link BiH with Croatia's A1 motorway and the Adriatic coast.
First concept presented
At a meeting between the Una-Sana Canton and Canton 10, a preliminary analysis of the future Bihać–Kupres road was presented. At the same time, delegates considered extending the route to Livno, which would establish a new developmental transport corridor running through the western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The distance between Livno and Bihać is roughly 180 kilometres. The proposed corridor would trace the natural contours of the predominantly karst fields, enabling engineers to bypass major mountain obstacles and reducing the need to construct numerous long tunnels and bridges.
Phase one plans to upgrade the existing road link between Bihać and Bosanski Petrovac, whilst the sections towards Drvar, Bosansko Grahovo, Glamoč, Kupres, and Livno will be addressed in subsequent design phases.
Development for the entire region
Representatives from both cantons emphasised that the project carries far broader significance than simply connecting Bihać and Livno. The new thoroughfare is expected to enhance transport connectivity across western Bosnia, support economic growth and tourism, expand logistics capacity, and create better conditions for attracting new investment.
(EUpravo zato/biznisinfo.ba)