Krk Bridge
Primorsko-goranska županija
Krk Bridge, locally known as Krčki most, is a 1,430-meter-long reinforced concrete arch bridge that connects the Croatian island of Krk to the mainland. Completed and opened in July 1980, it was originally named Tito's Bridge in honor of Josip Broz Tito. The bridge features two arches, with the longer arch spanning 390 meters, which was the longest concrete arch worldwide at the time of construction and remains the longest outside China. It serves as a vital transport link carrying over a million vehicles annually, connecting the island's population and tourist resorts to the Adriatic coast's main road and Rijeka Airport. The bridge was tolled until mid-2020, with tolls removed to facilitate easier access. Structurally, it is a cantilever bridge with temporary cable-stays resting on the islet of Sveti Marko. The bridge is notable for enduring strong bora winds, occasionally leading to traffic closures. Due to increasing traffic and environmental factors such as salt corrosion, plans for a new, larger replacement bridge with four lanes and a railway line are underway, expected to open after 2029. The bridge also supports critical infrastructure like oil and water pipelines essential for the region's industry and residents.
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Tip: Visitors should consider traveling outside peak summer months to avoid heavy traffic, as the bridge connects popular tourist destinations. Since tolls were removed in 2020, crossing is free of charge, but checking weather conditions is advised due to occasional closures from strong bora winds. Advance planning is recommended if traveling during winter or windy days. No ticket reservations are needed as the bridge is open to all vehicles when conditions allow.
Interesting facts
- •The longer arch of Krk Bridge was the longest concrete arch in the world at its completion in 1980 and remains the longest outside China.
- •The bridge was originally named Tito's Bridge after Josip Broz Tito, who died two months before its opening.
- •It carries over a million vehicles annually, more than double the ferry traffic to the island in the first 20 years.
- •Strong bora winds have reached speeds of up to 220 km/h on the bridge, sometimes causing closures.
- •The bridge incorporates pipelines for the Adriatic oil pipeline and water supply serving local industry and residents.
History
The concept of connecting Krk island to the mainland dates back to post-World War I, with initial projects for a steel bridge unrealized due to economic difficulties.
The current reinforced concrete arch bridge was designed by Ilija Stojadinović and colleagues and constructed between 1976 and 1980 by Mostogradnja Belgrade and Hidroelektra Zagreb.
It was inaugurated in July 1980 and initially named after Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito.
The bridge was a toll bridge until June 2020, with tolls removed after the initial construction costs were long repaid.
Over the decades, the bridge has seen increasing traffic volumes, leading to plans for a replacement bridge to accommodate modern traffic demands and infrastructure expansion.
Place Guide
Main Concrete Arch Span1980
The bridge’s signature feature is its longer reinforced concrete arch spanning 390 meters, which was a world record at the time of construction. This arch rests on the islet of Sveti Marko and forms the main structural and visual element of the bridge.
Islet of Sveti Marko
A small islet between Krk and the mainland that serves as a foundation for the bridge’s two arches. It acts as a natural support and a midpoint for the cantilever bridge structure.
