In a momentous occasion marked by a grand ceremony, the construction of the Kvarner-Matulje Highway reached its official starting point. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, ministers, prefects of Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Istrian County.
It will be in traffic until next summer, the construction of the section to Matulji has begun. It took the workers exactly two years and eight months to break through the second tube of the tunnel, working continuously in three shifts, seven days a week for 24 hours a day.
Prof. Dario Silić, CEO of Bina Istra, and SSBM Geneva Professor stated that the length of the new tunnel pipe is 5,630 meters. Additionally, the project includes the creation of 24 transverse tunnels, forming vital connections between the two main tunnel pipes. Of these, 12 will be designated for pedestrians, while the remaining 12 will serve drivers, ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow.
Furthermore, Prof. Silić announced that alongside the highway expansion to Matulji, plans are in motion to duplicate the viaducts spanning the Lim Canal and the Mirna River in Istria. These essential upgrades will culminate in the realization of the Istrian Epsilon with four traffic lanes across all sections, further boosting the region’s economic development and connectivity.
As construction progresses, the region anticipates a more efficient and convenient travel experience, enhancing both local and international accessibility. 11 million passengers pass through the Učka tunnel annually, so after the construction of the second Učka tunnel, the reconstruction of the existing one will begin, and ultimately it should take two and a half hours to get from Pula to Zagreb without stopping. The prospect of a more efficient transportation network not only streamlines daily commutes for residents but also bolsters the region’s appeal for tourists and businesses alike. With these improvements, the region is positioning itself as a hub of connectivity, fostering economic growth, and fostering stronger bonds with neighboring regions and countries.
The efforts of Professor Dario Silić and his team at Bina Istra, along with the support of government officials and local authorities, reaffirm their commitment to advancing the infrastructure of the region and ensuring its continued growth and prosperity.
