INFORMATION ABOUT WORKS ON THE M17, REPAIR OF EXPANSION JOINTS ON THE BRIDGE NEAR THE CRNAJA TUNNEL

The contract for the execution of works on:

1. Replacement of expansion joints on the bridge (M17-012-302) over a deep valley, Ostrožac, on the M17, section Konjic - Jablanica 1, km 13+227;

2. Replacement of expansion joints on the bridge (M19.2-001-96) over the Drinjača river, Vitalj on the M19.2, section Kladanj - Vlasenica, km 0+081; and

3. Rehabilitation of expansion joints on the bridge (M17-012-304) over an unknown stream, Crnaja on the M17 road, section Konjic - Jablanica 1, km 15+734,

Was concluded on 18th June 2025 with the Contractor “SIKRA” d.o.o. Sarajevo.

Given the summer holidays and the tourist season during which there is an evident increase in the number of vehicles on the subject road (in the post-season on weekends) in order to avoid traffic jams, the commencement of works on the Crnaja and Ostrožac bridges on the M17 road has been purposefully postponed to the beginning of September.

One must not forget that this road is extremely busy due to the lack of alternative roads or nearby motorway network that would connect the capital with the southern part of the country, not to mention the relevant AADT (average annual daily traffic), which has increased by more than 20% compared to the same period two years ago (i.e. August 2025 - 19,300 vehicles per day), which greatly exceeds the capacity of an main roads.

It should be noted that the subject works are necessary in order to maintain the functionality of road structures and their safety aspects, especially if we bear in mind that the main road network in FBiH is extremely old (built in the 60s and 70s of the last century). In this regard, we appeal to drivers to be patient and to use alternative roads (i.e. Vitez – Travnik – Kupres).

In the specific case, we are dealing with specialized works that, due to their technology, cannot be performed in the winter period. In addition, the technology of removing the existing expansion joints and installing a new one must be carried out very carefully in order not to endanger the safety of workers and road users, which is why traffic is carried out on one half of the bridge, while work is being carried out on the other.

Given the specificity of the works, the number of contractors on the market is limited (only one specialized contractor) and it happens that the signing of contracts for these types of works is preceded by repeated public procurement procedures. On the other hand, contractors also face a lack of qualified labour and cannot organize continuous shifts without weekly breaks (works are not performed only on Sundays).

The completion deadline for this type of works is 30 - 40 days.

In the future, JP Ceste FBiH plans to require the contractors to ensure manual traffic regulation on weekends, and we also call on representatives of the FMUP to intensify their activities on busy road sections.

We understand that the works may cause temporary traffic difficulties, but a sensationalistic approach to socially important issues certainly does not contribute to accurate information of citizens. The works are taking place according to the contracted schedule, with an alternating traffic flow regime, in accordance with the applicable safety standards and the FMTC Decision of 18th July 2025 where Article 4 clearly states that "the contractor is obliged to ensure unhindered two-way traffic for all vehicle categories during holidays, as well as on Sundays".

We call on media representatives to use verified and accurate source of information in their reporting, in which there should be no room for biased and unprofessional comments by certain officials that do not contribute to realistic and objective information to the public about infrastructure works of importance to the entire country.

Sincerely,
JP Ceste Federacije BiH d.o.o. Sarajevo