New 11 kilometers of Corridor Vc opened between Zenica and Žepče

(Patria) - Citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be able to use a new, 11-kilometer section of the Corridor Vc highway today, connecting Vranduk, Nemila, and Poprikuše.

The section will be available toll-free in the initial phase, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina announced today.

This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects on Corridor Vc, improving road connectivity between Zenica and Žepče, relieving traffic on the M-17 main road, and shortening travel time on this section.

The construction of the Corridor Vc highway is supported by the European Union, which has invested 42 million euros in grants for the construction of this section through the Investment Framework for the Western Balkans (WBIF).

The construction of this section is further supported by favorable loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) amounting to 157.5 million euros, and the European Investment Bank (EIB) amounting to 70 million euros.

The new route includes the "Bosna" tunnel, 3.6 kilometers long, the longest road tunnel on Corridor Vc in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Almost 4.6 kilometers of the route consist of bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, confirming the technical complexity and demanding nature of the project.

Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Nermin Nikšić emphasized that such projects directly change the daily lives of citizens.

- This section shows that the Federation of BiH invests where the benefit for citizens is greatest – in safety, connectivity, and more even development. We are shortening travel, reducing congestion, opening space for investments, and enabling faster access to markets. Every new road strengthens internal connectivity and creates the foundation for our country's prosperity – said Nikšić.



Head of the European Union Delegation to BiH Luigi Soreca reminded that the European Union is one of the key partners in the realization of the Corridor Vc project, which brings Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the EU.

- The European Union is the largest investor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its most dedicated partner. The Corridor Vc highway is one of the most striking symbols of our close and mutually beneficial relationship.

Every completed section brings us closer to the completion of this highway, which will enable faster and safer travel through the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, all the way to the EU.

Two-thirds of Bosnia and Herzegovina's foreign trade is conducted with EU countries, and many citizens of BiH have close ties with the EU, for example through work, education, family, or friends.

The EU has invested almost one billion euros in grants for the construction of the Corridor Vc highway and will continue to support all efforts that strengthen our ties – said Ambassador Soreca.

Federal Minister of Transport and Communications Andrijana Katić says that the opening of this section is a clear indicator of concrete results in the construction of Corridor Vc, as well as another important step in its comprehensive connection.

- The opening of this section to traffic confirms the visible results of continuous work on the construction of Corridor Vc. This is another step towards its complete connection and functional linking of key parts of the FBiH, thereby gradually achieving the goal of a unified, modern transport axis that connects BiH with the European transport network – said Katić.

Corridor Vc represents a key transport route for the integration of Bosnia and Herzegovina into the European transport network, as well as into regional and EU markets. Its construction is financed by a combination of domestic funds and international support.

The European Union supports the construction of Corridor Vc through grants secured via WBIF, with the addition of favorable loans from EBRD and EIB.