Bosnia's New Bridge Opens Only After Old One Collapses Amid Political Stalemate

The new bridge over the Sava River near Gradiška, a project finished in 2022, only opened after the old crossing was shut down due to damage. This delay transforms the bridge's opening from a symbol of success into a stark representation of systemic failure in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For years, the bridge stood as a monument to political blockades, inter-entity conflicts, jurisdictional disputes, and procedural wrangling. The concrete, steel, and asphalt were in place long before the political system was ready to acknowledge the project's completion. This situation is not unique to the bridge; it reflects a broader pattern in Bosnia and Herzegovina where public interest projects are stalled by political infighting.

Completing a bridge in Bosnia and Herzegovina requires more than just construction. It necessitates navigating a complex web of regulations, jurisdictional claims, value-added tax issues, nationalistic interests, and political egos. The delayed opening of the Gradiška bridge serves as a potent diagnosis of a country with significant potential and international partners, yet lacking the capacity to place the public interest above political disputes.