The colossal Hercegovina Bridge, the tallest infrastructure project on Corridor 5c and one of the most notable construction feats in the regional and European context, will be opened to traffic in early September. This event, which will undoubtedly make headlines, will illustrate the process that led to the construction of a structure that can be a source of pride for Bosnia and Herzegovina, its residents, and future users, writes Večernji.ba.
At first glance, even without delving into technical specifications, it is clear that this is a structure that required exceptional skill in design, planning, and construction. One of its unique features is that it accommodates highways on all four traffic lanes.
When driving on the M17 main road from Mostar to Čapljina or in the opposite direction, you will first notice the silhouette of the bridge. Its elegance and integration into the geographical mosaic formed by the canyon's rocks and the emerald beauty of the Neretva River are a prime example of strategic planning and execution. Much has been said about the technical aspects, but it is worth emphasizing that this is the highest bridge in BiH and among the highest bridges in Europe, as its tallest pylon, out of a total of six, exceeds 100 meters. A load test of the structure was recently conducted, involving 12 trucks weighing 40 tons each, with the testing carried out in collaboration with experts from the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Geodesy at the University of Mostar. The test load was applied to targeted points of the structure in motion.
Following this, conditions were created for technical acceptance and operational approval. Since the Hercegovina Bridge is part of the Počitelj – Zvirovići section, which is 11.07 kilometers long, once the bridge is open to traffic, the entire section will also be in use. This will provide the south of the country, alongside the existing Bijača – Međugorje section, with a total of 21 kilometers of functional highway from the border with the Republic of Croatia to Počitelj.
Local communities, businesses, tourism workers, government representatives, and many others view this development very favorably and believe that the new bridge and highway section will strengthen the economic potential of this part of BiH. Denis Lasić, Director of JP Autoceste FBiH, states that the opening is scheduled for September 4th and emphasizes the importance of continuing work on infrastructure projects.
"Every section, every new kilometer on the corridor is of great importance. This demanding and large-scale construction project has finally been completed to the joy of all citizens and future users, despite a series of challenges that accompanied its construction," Lasić said. FBiH Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić also recently posted on Facebook that the Federation of BiH will receive 11.1 kilometers of highway at the beginning of September with the opening of the Počitelj – Zvirovići section, including the bridge itself. "The bridge is a mega structure on Corridor Vc, with a length of 1 kilometer and a height of 100 meters. It passed the load test 10 days ago," the Prime Minister noted.
