Montenegro will build 480 km of highways and express roads
Montenegro plans to build 480 kilometers of highways and express roads. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. This infrastructure project will be the largest in the country's history and will significantly improve transport connections between regions...
Montenegro plans to build 480 kilometersof highwaysand express roads. Construction is scheduledto beginin 2026. This infrastructure project will become the largest in the country’s history and will significantly improve transport links between regions. The development of the road network is intended not only to make travel more convenient for citizens, but also to stimulate economic growth.
Today, Montenegro’s road infrastructure needssignificant modernization. Many roads are outdated and do not meet modern standards. The new project will help eliminate existing problems, speed up traffic flows, and attract additional investment.
Which roads are planned to be built?
The construction of 480 kilometers of roads in Montenegro includes:
National highways– will connect the country’s largest cities.
Expressways– will reduce the burden on existing roads.
Reconstruction of old sections– will improve road surface quality and safety.
It is expected that the new project will significantly reduce travel time between the capital, Podgorica, and coastal resorts. This is especially important for the tourism industry, which is key to the country’s economy.
Sources of funding
Funding for road construction will come from:
Montenegro’s state budget.
Investments from international companies.
Loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
At the same time, the government seeks transparency at all stages of financing in order to avoid corruption and cost overruns.
Despite ambitious plans, the project faces a number of challenges:
High costs– implementing such a large-scale project will require significant financial investment.
Construction timelines– past projects in Montenegro were often delayed due to bureaucratic procedures.
Quality control– strict compliance with road construction standards must be ensured.
However, the government is confident that the project will be completed on schedule, as the development of road infrastructure is one of the country’s key priorities.
How will road construction affect Montenegro?
The implementation of the project will lead to the following positive changes:
Transport accessibility for citizens will improve.
Business and tourism development will become more active.
Road accidents will decrease.
New jobs will be created in the construction sector.
Construction is expected to begin as early as 2025, and the first road sections will be put into operation by 2026.
Environmental aspects of the project
Special attention during the construction of new highways will be paid to environmental standards. Montenegro is famous for its natural beauty, and when laying roads, the authorities promise to minimize harm to the environment. The plan includes:
Using modern technologies to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Greening areas along roads to offset environmental damage.
Creating safe wildlife crossings in areas adjacent to nature reserves.
The Government of Montenegro assures that infrastructure development will not harm the country’s unique ecosystem.
Experts’ and residents’ opinions
Transport experts note that the construction of new roads in Montenegro is long overdue. It will help solve traffic congestion problems, improve logistics, and increase the country’s investment appeal. However, opinions among local residents are divided.
Some, including the opposition, fear that construction may be delayed and that part of the funds will be spent inappropriately. At the same time, many support the project, seeing it as an opportunity to improve quality of life and develop business.
“It is hard to say whether everything will be completed within the next five to seven years, but what is certain is that conditions will be created to start all these projects in the near future. Several conceptual projects have already been implemented. Most of them will be completed in 2025, so all new projects can begin construction in 2026,”saysTransport Minister Maja Vukićević.
Despite the government’s commitment and determination to complete everything on time, there are factors that could delay the process.
Minister Vukićević explains that implementing the projects requires going through a complex process — from spatial planning and technical administration to selecting the designer, contractor, and acceptance commission. Obstacles can arise at every stage, and these do not always depend on the state’s readiness to finance the project. Delays are often linked to complaints and disputes during tender procedures.
Therefore, even with financial resources and the government’s willingness to invest, bureaucratic and procedural complexities can significantly slow down project implementation.
Conclusion
Montenegro is betting on infrastructure development, and if the project is successfully implemented, it will be an important step toward the country’s economic growth. New roads will improve safety on the roads, enhance connections between regions, and make the country even more attractive to tourists and investors.
Montenegro will build 480 km of highways and express roads
