As a part of the joint initiative of Montenegro and the European Union to improve road transport infrastructure, two studies will be prepared to upgrade the existing infrastructure for the future expansion of the Trans-European Transport (TEN-T) core network.
Through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, which is the EU’s infrastructure investment programme in the region, the Montenegrin Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs and the Road Directorate will prepare a preliminary design and environmental impact assessment, as well as a quality-of-life assessment for the Matesevo-Andrijevica section of the Bar – Boljare highway. The entire work will be financed by an EU grant of €3.1 million.
These studies will support the preparation of technical documents and elaborate sound environmental protection conditions that are necessary for investment. In addition, a Cost / Justification Analysis and a Feasibility Study worth €1.3 million will be prepared for the entire Bar-Boljare highway route in order to present the financial sustainability of the planned infrastructure work and justify the current investment planning. This project will be financially supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The current section is a part of the “Orient -East-MED” corridor, which is responsible for building the best connection for the border line Romania – Belgrade – Podgorica, with the harbor of Bar on the Adriatic coast as its final destination. Investments in this traffic connection are of national, regional and international significance for the Western Balkans, as they will improve the level of service and safety on the roads of the north and south of Montenegro, and all the way to the Serbian border.
When this road connection is fully developed, it will significantly reduce travel time, reduce the number of traffic accidents, and most importantly it will reduce the emission of harmful gases and the operating costs of vehicles. In addition, it will improve the economic and trade relations of the countries of the region and make visible progress by creating better living conditions. All of this will have a positive impact on the overall economy of Montenegro, its citizens and its neighbours.
These projects are in line with the EU accession priorities and the SEETO Transport Observatory Strategy – a regional transport organisation established by the EU and the Western Balkan countries in to promote cooperation in the development of transport infrastructure.