Highway to Tuzla nears realization: First construction phase known

The Orasje-Brcko-Tuzla highway is back in the spotlight following the selection of a designer for the first section of the future route, which is intended to connect Tuzla Canton with Brcko, the Posavina region, Croatia, and the European highway network.

The PE Highways of the Federation of BiH selected the Mostar-based company INTEGRA to produce the preliminary and main designs for the Orasje-Brcko District section, marking a new step in the preparation of a project that has been discussed for years.

The value of the selected bid is BAM 1,735,514 excluding VAT, or slightly over BAM 2.03 million including VAT. The decision was made on September 21.

Six bids were submitted for the tender, but after a review of the documentation, the bids from INTEGRA and DIVEL Sarajevo were deemed acceptable. DIVEL offered approximately BAM 2.24 million excluding VAT, while INTEGRA’s lower bid ultimately proved decisive in the selection of the design contractor.

The first section of the future highway is expected to be approximately 16 kilometers long, running from Orasje to the border with Brcko District.

According to previously published project documentation, the construction of 13 bridges, three rest areas, and an interchange with a toll station is planned for this part of the route.

Upon reaching Brcko District, the highway is slated to continue across the District’s territory toward Tuzla Canton. The entire Orasje-Brcko-Tuzla highway is planned to span approximately 61 kilometers.

Tuzla Canton still lacks a direct connection to the highway network, despite being one of the most significant industrial and economic regions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Realizing this route would provide Tuzla, Brcko, and the Posavina region with faster road connections. Furthermore, the route via Orasje and the bridge over the Sava River would open up better connectivity with Croatia and, by extension, the European Union market.

For the economy of Tuzla Canton, this would mean shorter goods transport times and improved access to European transport corridors, while travel to the north of the country and to Croatia would become easier for citizens.

Earlier estimates placed the value of the entire route at approximately BAM 856.5 million, excluding VAT.

However, as those estimates were made some time ago, the final cost could be significantly higher due to rising prices for construction materials, labor, and other expenses.

More precise figures will only be known once the project documentation is finalized and detailed preparations for specific sections are completed.

Selecting a design firm does not mean that construction machinery will be deployed to the site anytime soon.

Before construction begins, it is necessary to complete the preliminary and main designs, carry out other administrative and technical procedures, obtain the required permits, and secure funding for the works.

Other sections of the route toward Tuzla are also currently in various stages of preparation. The preparation of design documentation is already underway for the approximately 7.5-kilometer-long Canici-Sicki Brod section, with route adjustments having been made previously to better integrate the road into the existing built-up area.

Consequently, the Orasje-Brcko-Tuzla highway remains a project requiring significant further preparation, however, the selection of a designer for the first section marks one of the most concrete steps taken recently, reports tuzlainfo.ba.

Orašje Brčko Tuzla highway

Orašje District Brčko section

Čanići Šićki Brod section

preliminary project

main project

highway infrastructure

highway network

bridges

rests

toll station

Posavina