The Belgrade-Banja Luka highway, which has been under construction since autumn 2022 as a joint project between Republika Srpska and Serbia, is not just another infrastructure initiative. It is a testament to the strongest ties ever between Serbia and Srpska, as well as the unbreakable bond of the Serb people on both sides of the Drina River, said Nedeljko Ćorić, acting director of the “Autoputevi Republike Srpske” company.
Ćorić emphasized that this project will further strengthen the unity and solidarity of the Serb people, regardless of where they live.
He highlighted that it is particularly significant that, during the joint celebration of Sretenje – the Statehood Day of Serbia and Srpska, the public in Republika Srpska can witness the progress of this landmark project.
- “On the other hand, the Belgrade-Banja Luka highway will facilitate easier communication, better business conditions, and all the other benefits that come with the realization of major infrastructure projects for both Srpska and Serbia,” Ćorić noted.
The ultimate goal, he added, is to enable travel from Bijeljina to Belgrade in just one hour, which will positively impact the further development of Brčko, Modriča, Šamac, Prnjavor, and Banja Luka.
Jakša Adžić, an engineering construction specialist in the Construction Department of the “Autoputevi Republike Srpske”, stated that the project is progressing according to plan. The 20-kilometer section from Rača to Bijeljina is under continuous construction, with work being done on embankments and the first structures.
So far, 55% of the planned work on embankments has been completed, with over 100 piles installed for future structures. Preparations for subsequent construction phases are also underway.
On its side, Serbia has completed the construction of a new bridge over the Sava River, while negotiations are ongoing with the contractors for the construction of access roads leading to the main highway, aiming to ease traffic congestion.
This will enable the reconstruction of the existing bridge, currently used for the transport of goods and passengers, according to “Autoputevi Republike Srpske”.
In addition to the joint bridge, plans are in place for the construction of an integrated border crossing on Serbia’s side, which will further facilitate travel and speed up the transportation of goods.
Source: RTRS
