New bicycle path from Novi Sad to Stara Pazova to be 58 km long – Passage through abandoned tunnel and construction of multi-level spiral ramp planned

Plans are in place for the construction and reconstruction of a bicycle path spanning approximately 58 kilometers from Novi Sad to the border with Belgrade, specifically following the route Novi Sad-Petrovaradin-Sremski Karlovci-Cortanovci-Beska-Indjija-Stara Pazova-Nova Pazova. According to the preliminary design by the Novi Sad-based company Adomne d.o.o., the route will be about 58 kilometers long, of which 44.3 kilometers will consist of newly constructed paths, while 13.7 kilometers will utilize existing paths and sections alongside local roads.

The Spatial and Urban Planning Agency of the Republic of Serbia has announced a public review period for the Draft Spatial Plan for the special-purpose area dedicated to the construction and reconstruction of the bicycle path along the IIA-class state road no. 100 (Novi Sad-Stara Pazova section). The public review runs from September 15 to October 14, 2026, with a public presentation scheduled for September 25 in Sremski Karlovci. The plan was prepared by the Public Enterprise “Urban Planning Institute of Vojvodina”.

The plan covers the cadastral municipalities of Petrovaradin, Sremski Karlovci, Indjija, Cortanovci, Maradik, Beska, Golubinci, Stara Pazova, and Nova Pazova. The final plan area covers approximately 2.49 km2, while the route itself connects several distinct corridors, ranging from a state road and the existing road network to the alignment of a former rail line.

Path mostly following former rail line route

The planned route begins at the Zezelj Bridge in Novi Sad and ends at the administrative boundary between the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and Belgrade. In some sections, it follows the alignment of the dismantled rail line, while in others, it runs within the corridor of the IIA-class state road no. 100.

The first section, stretching from Petrovaradin via Sremski Karlovci to Cortanovci, is approximately 16.9 kilometers long. After a segment that follows the Fruska Gora Corridor, the path runs alongside the high-speed railroad and along the route of the dismantled rail line. Plans include utilizing an existing underpass and constructing a structure over the Tabanjiste stream, with the new path designed to be 2.5 meters wide.

For the 6.6-kilometer Cortanovci-Beska section, a particularly interesting solution is planned: utilizing the abandoned Cortanovci rail tunnel along its entire length for the bicycle path. The tunnel will be adapted for this new purpose, incorporating space for lighting, utility installations, and other traffic-related technical equipment.

At the tunnel exit, a multi-level spiral ramp is planned to allow cyclists to navigate the change in elevation and reach the existing roadway. In addition to its transportation function, the structure will also serve as a viewing point. Its highest level is designed to feature a rooftop platform and a rest area with amenities, while an elevator shaft is planned for the central section.

The third section, stretching from Beska to Indjija, will span 7.4 kilometers, while the Indjija-Stara Pazova section will be 10.8 kilometers long. This route also includes two rest areas for cyclists, as well as grade-separated crossings over the railroad and other roads. The final section, running from Stara Pazova through Nova Pazova to the border of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, covers a distance of 16.1 kilometers.

A total of 10 structures are planned along the route: seven bridges, one underpass, one culvert, and two retaining walls. Their final dimensions, structural designs, and foundation methods will be determined during subsequent stages of technical documentation, following more detailed geodetic and geotechnical surveys.

According to the planning document, the goal is to separate bicycle traffic from motor vehicle traffic as much as possible along this route, utilizing an independent path profile wherever the terrain and existing infrastructure allow for it.

The plan cites several expected benefits from the system’s construction, such as increased cyclist safety, reduced strain on the existing road network, stimulation of local spending, and the development of cycle tourism through connections to international cycling routes, including EuroVelo 6.

I. Z.

Agencija za prostorno planiranje i urbanizam Republike Srbije

Adomne doo Novi Sad

JP Zavod za urbanizam Vojvodine Novi Sad

Spatial and Urban Planning Agency of the Republic of Serbia

Adomne doo

PE Urban Planning Institute of Vojvodina

Čortanovci Inđija

Maradik Inđija

Beška Inđija

Golubinci Stara Pazova

Nova Pazova Stara Pazova

Draft Spatial Plan for the special purpose area dedicated to the construction and reconstruction of the bicycle path along the IIA class state road no 100 Novi Sad Stara Pazova section