Bijeljina–Podromanija expressway route realigned to avoid home demolitions

Authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina have presented a corrected route for the planned 160-kilometer Bijeljina–Podromanija expressway. The decision to realign the path follows pressure from the local community in Zvornik to avoid the demolition of over 50 residential properties.

The original route was set to intersect several settlements, including Roćević, Pađine, Trnovica, Skočić, Jasenice, and Kozluk. The new proposal directs the road along the Drina River, a move that officials state will also serve as a riverbank fortification to protect against flooding.

Key stakeholders, including Republika Srpska Minister of Transport and Communications Zoran Stevanović, representatives from Autoputevi Republike Srpske, the City of Zvornik, and the Chinese company Shandong, participated in the planning meetings. The project aims to improve connectivity between Bijeljina, Zvornik, and eastern parts of Republika Srpska. Preparations for the project, including the creation of a geodetic base for the modified route, are expected to continue over the next three years.