Zenica to Žepča highway section inaugurated but remains closed to traffic

A new 20-kilometer section of the Corridor 5C highway between Zenica and Žepča has been ceremonially inaugurated, but motorists are currently unable to use the route. While the ribbon-cutting ceremony has taken place and a usage permit has been issued, the highway remains closed to traffic pending the finalization of legal and administrative procedures to ensure all permits become legally binding.

Denis Lasić, Director of Autoceste FBiH, stated that traffic is expected to commence in the coming days once all legal requirements are met. This new segment, which includes significant infrastructure such as the 3,659-meter Bosna tunnel and the 3,370-meter Zenica tunnel, is expected to significantly reduce travel times between Sarajevo and Doboj.

The construction of these four sub-sections from Zenica to Golubinje represents a total investment of 419 million euros. The project faced technical challenges due to the difficult terrain, with 75 percent of the route consisting of bridges, viaducts, and tunnels.