The Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, together with representatives from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, have reached an agreement to issue a public tender by July for selecting contractors and overseeing the construction of a new bridge spanning the Tara River. The existing metal bridge, currently in use between the two countries, is deemed unsafe and urgently requires replacement.
Travelers passing between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro currently rely on the aging metal bridge at Šćepan Polje, which is in a state of disrepair. With the joint decision of both nations, plans for constructing a new bridge have been set in motion. If all goes as planned, a contractor could be selected by the year’s end.
Miroslav Mašić from the Ministry of Transport anticipates a two-year timeline for project completion, based on estimates from the Traffic Administration and the Roads of Republika Srpska. By the end of 2026, it is hoped that a new bridge, along with access roads, will be operational.
While some travelers welcome news of the forthcoming bridge, others emphasize the need for additional safety measures and improvements to the surrounding roadways.
Furthermore, attention is required for enhancing the route from Plužine to Šćepan Polje, in addition to the road leading to Foča.
Mayor Slobodan Delić of Plužine conveyed information received during discussions with Prime Minister Spajić, indicating that this route had been highlighted as a priority for reconstruction during talks with EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Mr. Varhelyi. It is anticipated that EU funds will be allocated soon, facilitating the commencement of comprehensive road reconstruction and bridge construction.
Additionally, the Traffic Administration intends to rehabilitate the road from Plužine to the Bosnia and Herzegovina border in the medium term. Concurrently, the Bosnian side will undertake the construction of a new road from Foča to the Montenegro border, significantly improving connectivity along this route.
With the completion of the new bridge, the dated metal structure will become obsolete, allowing tourists to capture its scenic beauty. Furthermore, the picturesque Tara River nearby will offer opportunities for serene photography, including capturing the river’s natural allure and recreational activities such as river jumping.
Presently, freight and bus traffic are prohibited on this route due to the bridge’s deteriorated condition. The construction of the new bridge will alleviate this constraint, fostering safer and smoother transportation between the two nations.
