Pelješac Bridge
Dubrovačko-neretvanska županija
The Pelješac Bridge is a significant cable-stayed bridge located in Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Croatia, spanning the sea channel between Komarna on the mainland and the Pelješac peninsula. It provides a direct road connection between the southeastern Croatian exclave around Dubrovnik and the rest of the country, bypassing the short coastal strip of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Neum. The bridge is 2,404 meters long with thirteen spans, seven of which are cable-stayed, and features two pylons rising 98 meters above sea level. Designed by Slovenian engineer Marjan Pipenbaher, it was constructed to allow uninterrupted maritime traffic beneath, with a 55-meter clearance to satisfy Bosnia and Herzegovina's requirements. Construction began in July 2018, with the bridge opening for traffic in July 2022. The project was financed partly by the European Union and built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation. The bridge includes access roads with tunnels and smaller bridges on Pelješac, enhancing regional connectivity. It is designed exclusively for motor vehicles, with no pedestrian or bicycle lanes. This engineering marvel not only improves transportation but also strengthens Croatia's territorial continuity and economic integration.
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Consejo: The best time to visit the Pelješac Bridge is during the warmer months when the weather is clear, offering excellent views of the Adriatic Sea. Visitors driving between Dubrovnik and the Croatian mainland can avoid border delays by using the bridge. It is advisable to check traffic updates since heavy trucks carrying hazardous materials can only use the bridge after the Ston bypass road is open. No pedestrian access is allowed, so plan accordingly. There are no entrance fees as the bridge is a public road.
Datos interesantes
- •The bridge spans 2,404 meters, making it one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Europe.
- •It was designed by Slovenian engineer Marjan Pipenbaher and built by a Chinese construction company.
- •The bridge allows Croatia to bypass the Bosnian coastal strip at Neum, avoiding multiple border crossings.
- •It features a 55-meter clearance to allow maritime traffic to pass underneath, respecting Bosnia and Herzegovina's access to the sea.
- •The bridge is located in an ecologically sensitive area protected by the Natura 2000 network and a marine nature reserve.
Historia
The idea for the Pelješac Bridge was first proposed in 1997 to connect the Croatian mainland with the Pelješac peninsula, bypassing Bosnia and Herzegovina's Neum corridor.
Initial plans and spatial designs were developed in the early 2000s, with construction officially commencing in 2005 but facing delays.
The project gained momentum after Croatia joined the European Union in 2013, securing substantial EU funding.
The final construction contract was awarded in 2018 to the China Road and Bridge Corporation.
The bridge was completed and opened to traffic in 2022, marking a major milestone in Croatian infrastructure by ensuring uninterrupted road connectivity within its territory.
Guía del lugar
Main Cable-Stayed Spans2021
The bridge's central section consists of seven cable-stayed spans, including five spans of 285 meters and two spans of 203.5 meters, supported by two pylons 98 meters tall above sea level. This section represents the engineering core of the bridge, offering impressive views of the Adriatic Sea.
Access Roads and Tunnels on Pelješac Peninsula2022
On the Pelješac side, the bridge connects to access roads featuring two tunnels (2,467 meters and 499 meters long) and two smaller bridges (420 meters and 131 meters long). These structures integrate the bridge with the existing road network, facilitating smooth traffic flow.