New four-year investment program for the rehabilitation of main roads in FBiH

The main road network in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, managed by the JP Ceste FBIH is 2.466,42 km long, consisting of 454 bridges and 57 tunnels. The condition of main roads in the Federation of BIH is characterized by the network's deterioration, low level of service and high maintenance costs.

Following the successful completion of the Federation Roads Modernization Program (FRMP) (2018-2024), the JP Ceste  initiated discussions with the relevant institutions and began preparing a new four-year investment program for the rehabilitation and construction of main roads in FBIH, which will represent a strategic step forward in improving road asset management in the Federation of BIH.

The proposed investment program consists of three components:

1. Pavement improvements with the aim of improving road safety, resistance to climate change and extending the lifecycle of road infrastructure,
2. Replacement or asphalt overlay of wearing course, along with traffic safety improvements and adaptation to climate change,
3. Construction of bypasses, primarily to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas and improve road safety, construction of third lanes and construction of sections of main roads.

The program will be financed from its own resources and loans from international financial institutions (World Bank, European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), where the borrower will be the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the JP Ceste Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the Implementing Agency on behalf of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the final beneficiary.

Federation Road Assets Management Enhancement (FRAME)

Federation Road Assets Management Enhancement (FRAME) Project will be implemented under the above investment program, aiming to improve the condition of the main road network in FBiH and enhance the road assets management.

Its importance is reflected in the modernization and improvement of the way in which main road infrastructure is planned, maintained and developed. Through the introduction of modern tools and methodologies for road asset management, this project will contribute to a more efficient use of available funds, increased traffic safety, and extended road lifespan.

The main objectives of the Project are:

• Establish an integrated road assets management system;
• Ensure more transparent and long-term investment and maintenance planning;
• Increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of road maintenance;
• Improve the safety and quality of the road network in the FBIH;
• Strengthen the capacities of the JP Ceste FBIH through training, digitalization and the application of international standards;
• Enable better decision-making based on data and analysis.

Expected outcome of the Project:

• Improved safety for road users;
• Reduced travel time;
• Improved driving experience;
• Reduced maintenance costs;
• Increased resilience of road infrastructure to climate change.

The end beneficiaries of this project are multiple and can be divided into two groups.

Direct beneficiaries - JP Ceste FBIH (Implementing Agency that uses new tools, systems and knowledge for more efficient road network management), FBIH institutions (responsible for traffic, infrastructure and planning), professional staff and employees (training and capacity building for long-term road management).

Indirect beneficiaries - citizens and drivers (safer and more effective road maintenance), business community (better connectivity, faster transport, reduced travel costs), local communities (improved mobility, accessibility and reduced risk of damage and congestion), investors and international partners (transparency and standardization in planning and maintenance of road infrastructure).

In this way, the FRAME project represents a key reform that contributes to the sustainable development of transport infrastructure, better connectivity and traffic safety in the Federation of BIH.

ESMF and FRAME

The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is a key component of the FRAME project as it ensures that the modernization and maintenance of the road network in the FBiH is carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Main features of the ESMF in the project:

• Integration of environmental and social standards into all phases of planning and implementation of works,
• Assessment of the impact of planned activities on the environment (air, water, soil, noise, biodiversity) and society (local communities, safety, access),
• Mitigation measures (definition of specific procedures to minimize negative impacts),
• Monitoring and reporting (establishment of a monitoring system for environmental and social indicators during the works execution),
• Compliance with international standards (e.g. World Bank, EBRD, EU regulations and local legislation),
• Stakeholders and citizen engagement (consultations with local communities aiming for transparency and reduction of conflict risks).