Kick-off meeting on Korčula on construction of Žrnovo-DC118 connection road, contract on construction of bypass signed in Orebić

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić went to Dubrovnik-Neretva County for a working visit. The visit started on the Island of Korčula, where he participated in a kick-off meeting on the construction project of the Žrnovo-DC118 connection road, together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković and CEO of Hrvatske ceste Ivica Budimir.

The project is worth 3.87 million euro (VAT excluded), and it includes the construction of a 1.9 km road that will ensure better traffic flow, improve transport connectivity of the island and enhance road safety.

Together with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Butković, he then visited Orebić on the Pelješac peninsula, where CEO of Hrvatske ceste Ivica Budimir and Board Member of Texo Molior Marsel Friedl signed the contract on the construction of Orebić Bypass (stage I). The bypass is one of the most significant road investments in the Pelješac area and the project, worth 39.5 million euro (VAT excluded), includes the construction of a 6.6 km road that will significantly reduce traffic congestion in settlements, increase the safety of residents and tourists and contribute to the development of Pelješac.

“It is nice to be here and take part in such events. Only six months ago we signed a contract on allocating grants for the new Perna Port, and today we sign a contract on the construction of the long-awaited Orebić Bypass. These are the moments that should be noted, because, as I always say, we are privileged and honoured to accomplish great infrastructural projects,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Butković said, adding that the Orebić Bypass, following the Pelješac Bridge, will be one of the most important projects in this part of Croatia. “The project will ensure better transport connectivity and better integration of the Croatian south, a faster and safer arrival not only for those who live here, but for all who come here and on whom we depend - the tourists,” he said. He also pointed out that within a ten-kilometre radius around Orebić and Perna, 150 million euro is invested - including new ports, access roads and projects of Hrvatske ceste. “The road and port renaissance occurring in Croatia is mostly reflected precisely here - on Pelješac and Korčula. From the new passenger terminal in Vela Luka and Polačište Port to the new Orebić Bypass and Perna Port - large projects that change the image of southern Croatia,” Butković concluded, thanking Hrvatske ceste, the local community and the contractors, and expressing hope the works will start as soon as possible.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić expressed his satisfaction with the fact that this historic moment for Orebić takes place precisely in the Maritime Museum building, “a symbol of strength and pride of Pelješac.” “Six months ago, we signed a contract on constructing the Perna Port, and today we sign a contract on constructing the Orebić Bypas - an investment worth nearly 50 million euro, VAT included. All these projects, from the Pelješac Bridge to the Perna Port and now the bypass as well, reflect the Government’s dedication to developing the Croatian south,” Bačić said, pointing out that by diverting transit traffic, Orebić will gain a new opportunity for urban development. “When the centre is free from congestion and traffic, the space is open to new investments, walkways and amenities that will make Orebić more dynamic and even more attractive. A strong transport connectivity is the key to development, and this project directly contributes to that,” Bačić stated.

Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Blaž Pezo emphasised that signing this contract marks the beginning of a new phase of economic and transport development in southern Croatia. “The bypass is a result of many years of efforts by numerous institutions and of cooperation between the County, the Government and Hrvatske ceste. Traffic congestions have been a burden to everyday lives of citizens, but now Orebić gets a modern solution ensuring a safer and better traffic flow,” Pezo said, adding that this is a logical continuation of improving transport connectivity of the south after the Pelješac Bridge.

Orebić Municipality Prefect Tomislav Ančić expressed his satisfaction that after years of waiting, the project that boosts the development of Orebić finally starts. “From the very beginning the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure and Dubrovnik-Neretva County have had a clear stance - the Perna Port and Orebić Bypass are a single project. You can’t have one without the other,” Municipality Prefect Ančić said. He also pointed out that the project will strongly encourage economic and tourist development of Orebić, but that the development has to be steady and sustainable. “This is one of many projects, thanks to the support from Minister Butković and the Government - along with the substation, port and other infrastructural projects equally important and essential for everyday life,” Ančić emphasised.

CEO of Hrvatske ceste Ivica Budimir expressed his gratitude to the Government and local partners on their support and pointed out that Hrvatske ceste continues to realise a series of important projects on Pelješac and Korčula. He also referenced the kick-off meeting on Korčula, where the construction of nearly two-kilometre road worth four million euro is about to start, while an investment worth 49 million euro is underway in Orebić. “The project is complex due to ground configuration, but we have chosen an expert contractor and the works will begin immediately upon receiving the building permit,” Budimir said. He added the Orebić Bypass will be connected to the future Perna Port and Brijesta, and he announced that Hrvatske ceste already develops the concept design of the first section from Brijesta to Janjina. “This is all part of the same strategy to provide Pelješac and Korčula with modern, safe and high-quality transport infrastructure,” Budimir concluded.
 
Source: Ministry of the Sea, Traffic and Infrastructure

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