Construction works have begun on the project Construction of an underpass in Saint Leopold Mandić St. in Osijek. This western entrance to the city, also known as Čepinska Road, intersects with a railway. The intersection is a major generator of gridlock and a source of frustration. It is not surprising, therefore, that the removal of this bone in the throat has topped the wish list of city and county authorities for years.
Mayor of the City of Osijek, Ivan Radić and his predecessor, as well as Osijek-Baranja County prefect Ivan Anušić have made multiple attempts to meet the preconditions for the implementation of the underpass project. The project finances represented the biggest hurdle. This obstacle, common when considering infrastructural interventions, was overcome on 21 May, by securing financial support covering the full cost of the project. The Grant to fund the project was awarded as part of the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014 – 2020.
Removing the plane trees in preparation for the construction of the railroad bridge marks tangible, irrevocable steps on the road to resolving the deadlock in one of Osijek-Baranja County’s busiest roads. Apart from two bridges and an underpass separating the road and railroad corridors, the project envisages the construction of pedestrian and bicycle paths. In addition, the project features the installation of high quality street lighting and storm drainage. The shade cast by the old plane trees will be hard to make up for, but four saplings will be planted for every tree that is cut down.
The works contract worth €7.25 million was signed last month by Mayor Radić and Osijek – Koteks j.s.c. Board Chairman Zoran Škorić. Temporary traffic regulation on Čepinska Road will be in force from today until works are completed in the autumn of 2023. The legacy of the project for Osijek residents will be easier access to the southern part of town and faster access to the future Economic Center.