Minister Vesić Declares Upcoming Revamp of Danube Bridge Linking Smederevo and Kovin, Benefiting Nearly 700,000 Residents
Minister Vesić recently disclosed on Informer TV about the launch of a tender for the reconstruction of the Smederevo-Kovin bridge over the Danube. The tender opened a few days ago and will remain active until January 29.
Constructed in 1976 and later repaired after NATO’s aggression, the Smederevo-Kovin bridge is a vital link for nearly 700,000 people. Its historical significance dates back to 1902 when the initiative for its construction was first proposed. The bridge’s strategic importance was highlighted in 1915 when German Marshal McKenzie erected a pontoon bridge there for an assault on Serbia. Vesić emphasized the broader impact of such infrastructure projects, noting their role in enhancing population mobility, attracting investors, creating jobs, and improving living standards.
Spanning 1,424 meters in length and 8.5 meters in width, the bridge’s renovation is estimated to cost around 1.5 billion dinars.
Furthermore, Vesić announced the completion of 166 kilometres of highways and expressways within the year, linking several more cities to the national highway network. The 54-kilometer Šabac – Loznica section will connect Loznica to the highway. Additionally, two segments of the Moravian Corridor – from Kruševac to Trstenik and Vrnjačka Banja, and from Preljina to Adrani near Kraljevo – are nearing completion.
The Divci interchange to the Valjevo section will also be finished, providing access to the Miloš the Great Highway. The Sremska Rača – Kuzmin segment, featuring a bridge over the Sava, is part of the Belgrade – Sarajevo highway project.
This year will also see the completion of the Pakovraće – Požega highway section, which includes the construction of two significant and challenging tunnels, Laz and Munjino brdo, as well as the Danube Corridor stretching from the Belgrade – Niš highway to the Požarevac interchange.
