Why did Terzić avoid the 'spectacle' opening of 11 km of unfinished highway section?

(Patria) - The Federal Government only amended the Decree on charging fees for the use of the A1 highway today, adopted on July 15, 2015.

The amendments followed the construction of new kilometers of highway on the Zenica jug - Zenica sjever and Svilaj - Odžak sections. The opening of this section went almost unnoticed. Only media outlets that have contracts with JP Autoceste FBiH filmed the section, and even the general director Adnan Terzić did not appear at the opening.

Although the story was spread that a large gathering was not organized due to the coronavirus, it was difficult to believe this explanation. Following these events, sources in JP Autoceste confirmed our suspicions.

"Everyone was on their feet since Monday. All operatives worked to prepare the opening, and then on Tuesday, November 24, in the morning, information arrived that there would be no opening because there was no decision on setting prices for toll collection. Also, there are still many works that are not completed," said a Patria source from JP Autoceste Federacije BiH.

The FBiH Government stated that this section has not yet been opened to traffic, and according to some announcements, this should happen in the coming days.

However, it is clear that there have been delays, as it was promised long ago that the section would be opened on November 25.

"It was planned that the neighboring section Gračanica – Donja Vraca would complete part of the works by the interchange in Heca by then, so that 11 kilometers of highway could be put into operation. The grand opening of the section was planned for November 25, Statehood Day of BiH," said JP Autoceste in January 2020.

The Zenica bypass represents one of the most demanding undertakings on Corridor Vc in BiH due to the terrain configuration, a large number of bridges, viaducts, and tunnels, as well as difficulties encountered during construction, such as landslides and groundwater.

Only a representative of JP Autoceste FBiH, engineer Reuf Kadrić, attended the previously announced 'spectacular' ceremony, emphasizing that the entire highway section is about 11 kilometers long and that it is a very demanding project, primarily due to the terrain configuration.

Work cranes are still on site, and work on the toll booths has not been completed either.