Project summary
The project resulted in the construction of a new road section approximately 3.5 km in length, connecting the Škurinje junction to the Zagreb pier, along with a 485-meter-long connecting road to integrate with the existing urban transport network via Zvonimirova Street. This new infrastructure improved traffic flow and accessibility between the port area and the city, facilitating more efficient movement of goods and people.
The project successfully delivered a new approximately 3.5 km long road link between the Škurinje junction and the Zagreb pier, including a 485 m connection to Zvonimirova Street, fully integrated into the urban transport network. The main section features three lanes along most of its route, while the connecting roads to the city have two lanes. Key infrastructure completed as part of the project includes a 1,250 m long three-lane tunnel, two viaducts (316 m and 144 m), a 56 m railway underpass, a 33 m overpass, and five intersections—two of which are roundabouts. Additionally, 340 m of Zvonimirova Street (D8) was reconstructed and utility installations were successfully relocated. This comprehensive upgrade has significantly improved traffic flow, access to the port, and connectivity within the urban transport system.
The project, implemented in the Primorsko-Goranska County within the City of Rijeka, resulted in the successful construction of the state road DC403, which connects the existing Škurinje junction on the Rijeka bypass (part of the TEN-T core network – A7 motorway) with the western part of the Port of Rijeka, specifically the new Zagreb Pier container terminal. This new transport link has established a direct connection to the city center, alleviated traffic congestion, and enhanced road safety. By improving accessibility to regional and international markets, the project has significantly contributed to the competitiveness of the local economy and strengthened Rijeka’s role as a strategic logistics and transport hub.
The main route of the project spans approximately 2,977 meters, with the connecting road to Zvonimirova Street measuring around 380 meters. Finalized lengths will be confirmed in the main project documentation, which will serve as the basis for obtaining building permits. Key structures included in the project are the Podmurvice tunnel (approximately 1,253 meters long), the Piopi viaduct (around 316 meters), and the Mlaka viaduct (about 144 meters).
This project will also have a positive impact beyond the transport sector, particularly benefiting the ICT field by enabling the installation of optical infrastructure through the pipes laid during construction. Additionally, it will stimulate the development of business infrastructure projects in the surrounding area.
Project results
The DC403 connecting road from the Škurinje junction on the A7 motorway (part of the TEN-T network) to the port of Rijeka, a core network port, has been successfully constructed.
The completed road now provides a direct connection between the main port and the TEN-T network, enhancing regional and local mobility while increasing traffic safety. The main route spans approximately 2.977 km.
The construction of the DC403 connecting road from the Škurinje junction on the A7 motorway (part of the TEN-T) to the Port of Rijeka, a core port, has successfully improved international and regional accessibility. The new route has relieved congestion in the city network, enhanced connectivity with surrounding islands, and increased traffic safety. This integration of the Port of Rijeka with the Mediterranean Corridor (Rijeka-Zagreb-Budapest) within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) has strengthened the free movement of goods and passengers across the single market, while also promoting economic and social cohesion, competitiveness, and sustainable development.
The impact of the project is most noticeable in the following areas:
- Reduction of negative impacts on the environment by directing transit traffic from existing city routes to a new route (by reducing noise, vibration and air pollution);
- Cost savings, consequences of traffic accidents, increasing the level of traffic safety (especially for pedestrians and cyclists) by directing transit traffic from the existing city roads to the new route;
- Improving the level of public transport service by relocating transit freight traffic outside city routes;
- Savings in time of transport of goods between the port of Rijeka (Zagreb port) and the A7 motorway, in comparison to the previous city routes;
- Savings on maintenance and reconstruction costs of roads and buildings in the zone of the existing city transport routes (by reducing traffic load, vibration);
- Impact on increasing the competitiveness of local economies by enabling better accessibility to other markets with use of the new transport route.
