Podravska motorway section to Virovitica deemed environmentally acceptable

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition has published the draft decision for the Podravska motorway section between Pitomača and Virovitica. The 21.9-kilometre route has been assessed as environmentally acceptable, concluding the environmental impact assessment procedure.

The future motorway is intended to connect Koprivnica, Pitomača and Virovitica, continuing eastwards across the country. Analyses indicate that the new road would divert transit traffic from the Podravska magistrala, the state road DC2. This would relieve the Podravina towns through which this traffic currently passes.

The route passes through nine settlements: Kloštar Podravski, Dinjevac, Pitomača, Stari Gradac, Rogovac, Bušetina, Turanovac, Virovitica and Brezik. This is largely undeveloped agricultural and construction land. The environmental impact study was published by Hrvatske Ceste (Croatian Roads) in September last year. According to it, average daily traffic between Pitomača and Virovitica in 2023 ranged from 4,678 to 8,064 vehicles, rising to 8,213 in summer.

The draft decision states that the project is acceptable subject to strict protection measures in all phases — from design and construction to road use. Hrvatske Ceste, as the project promoter, must protect surface and groundwater, soil and natural habitats. Archaeological investigations and measures against noise and light pollution are also required at several locations.

For residents along the route, a noise protection study and protective walls at the most exposed sites are planned. Wildlife crossings, restoration of vegetation with native species, and regular monitoring of wildlife casualties in traffic are also planned.

The section will ultimately feature four traffic lanes, five interchanges, and several overpasses and viaducts. Crossings for local traffic and agricultural machinery are also provided for. Following the completion of administrative procedures and the obtaining of permits, Hrvatske Ceste will be able to begin preparing the project for the start of construction.