Bar–Boljare Highway is entering the final phase of the tender — financial offers from five companies are expected today, Transport and Maritime Affairs Minister Maja Vukićević said. At the same time, work continues on the Tivat–Jaz project, which, according to her, should be completed before the summer season of 2026.
The minister clarified that the technical stage of the tender has already been completed, and the process is being handled by the state-owned company Monteput together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Each phase is approved by the bank, as the project is partly financed from a €150 million grant and a concessional loan provided to Montenegro.
“We expect five valid offers. After receiving them, the commission will review the documentation, and we hope to move quickly to contract signing,” Vukićević said.
She emphasized that the new contract will be “strictly defined” and предусматривает a five-year deadline for completing the design and construction, while contractors will bear financial responsibility for any delays.
Tivat–Jaz Highway — a key priority for the 2026 season
Commenting on the Tivat–Jaz project, Vukićević acknowledged that implementation has faced problems:
“From the very beginning I was not satisfied with how this project was started,” she noted, explaining that the delay was caused by unforeseen engineering works, including the relocation of water and power lines.
Despite the difficulties, the minister stressed that the project must be completed before the start of next summer, as this section is key for coastal tourism.
Montenegro accelerates road projects across the country
According to Vukićević, 12 infrastructure projects are currently being implemented in the country, another four are ready to start, and tenders are underway for seven. Priorities include the Vrulja–Mijakovići highway, Trešnjevik–Andrijevica, Petnica–Bioča, and the section through Mrkojevići.
The minister also highlighted the reconstruction of dangerous sections, such as the Sokolvina landslide, which had hindered traffic for a decade, and expressed confidence that it will be cleared by the end of the year.
Route adjustments and environmental oversight
Commenting on the reasons for delays in the second phase of the Bar–Boljare highway, Vukićević explained that the route was changed after the environmental impact assessment and social review.
“If we had stayed on the old route, where many structures would have had to be demolished, the EBRD would not have approved the financing,” the minister explained.
Thus, the new route has been adapted to the requirements of international partners, and the government expects construction to begin in 2026.