The Montenegrin state-owned company Monteput has signed a contract for the development of project documentation for the construction of a new section of the Bar – Boljare highway, connecting Andrijevica, Berane and Boljare. This project is an important stage in the development of the national transport network and will provide improved connectivity between the central and northern parts of Montenegro.
Project details: what is known so far
According to the official statement of Monteput, the consortium of companies CDS Project – Via Project – Geotin MNE has been selected as the contractor for the development of the conceptual design.
Section length: 50 km Cost of design works: 3,654,000 euros (excluding VAT) Completion period: 14 months from the date of signing the contract
The development of project documentation is part of a large-scale strategy to modernize Montenegro’s road infrastructure and a continuation of work on the construction of the Bar – Boljare highway, a key route that will connect the country’s Adriatic coast with Serbia.
Why is the Andrijevica – Berane – Boljare section important?
This section is a critically important part of the Bar – Boljare route, as it will:
- Provide fast and safe transport links between the northern regions of Montenegro and the border with Serbia.
- Reduce travel time between Podgorica and the northern parts of the country.
- Contribute to the economic development of the region, attracting investment and increasing tourist traffic.
- Reduce the load on the existing E-65 highway, which currently remains the main route between the central and northern parts of the country.
Bar – Boljare highway: current status and prospects
The Bar – Boljare motorway project is strategically important for Montenegro’s transport infrastructure. The first phase, the Smokovac – Mateševo section, was officially opened in July 2022 and significantly improved connectivity between Podgorica and the north of the country.
The Montenegrin government plans to complete the entire route project, which is divided into several stages:
- Smokovac – Mateševo (completed in 2022, 41 km)
- Mateševo – Andrijevica (in the design phase)
- Andrijevica – Berane – Boljare (at the stage of developing project documentation)
Full implementation of the Bar – Boljare highway will create a key transport corridor that will ensure fast and comfortable connections between Montenegro and Serbia, as well as improve logistics for international transport.
When will construction of the new section begin?
After the conceptual design is completed, which should be ready within 14 months, the stage of developing the main design and securing financing will begin.
At the moment, the exact start dates for construction of the Andrijevica – Berane – Boljare section have not been announced, however, the Montenegrin authorities state that work on the project will continue without delay.
The Ministry of Capital Investments previously stated that various financing options are being considered, including state investments, loans from international banks, and partnerships with private investors.
What does this project mean for Montenegro?
- Fast connection with Serbia: completing the Bar – Boljare highway will connect the Montenegrin coast with the largest transport hubs in Serbia.
- Economic growth: improved infrastructure will attract new investments and give a boost to business development in the northern regions of the country.
- Tourism development: it will be easier for tourists to reach Montenegro’s mountain regions, which will have a positive effect on the tourism industry.
- Optimization of freight transport: the new route will provide faster and more convenient logistics solutions for businesses.
Thus, the Bar – Boljare highway project and, in particular, the development of the Andrijevica – Berane – Boljare section will be an important step in the development of Montenegro’s transport infrastructure, contributing to the country’s economic and tourism growth.