DistantNews
Support us
Croatia expands Matulji interchange, connecting Istria to national motorway network
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Energy & Infrastructure

Croatia expands Matulji interchange, connecting Istria to national motorway network

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Approved/passed
  • The expansion of the Matulji interchange in Croatia is underway, aiming to connect the A7 and A8 motorways with full capacity.
  • The project, valued at 17.7 million euros, is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, ahead of schedule.
  • The expansion will improve traffic flow, enhance connectivity for the Kvarner region, and involves the relocation of several families due to property acquisition.

The expansion of the Matulji interchange in Croatia is progressing as planned, with the project set to fully connect the A7 and A8 motorways. This significant infrastructure development aims to increase traffic capacity and flow, particularly for the Istrian peninsula and the Kvarner region.

The project, valued at 17.7 million euros and undertaken by GP Krk d.d., began in May 2025. It is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, ahead of its two-year execution deadline. The upgrade will transform the current roundabout connection on state road DC8 into a full-profile motorway interchange.

According to the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure, the expansion will improve traffic connectivity for the Rijeka ring and Kvarner. It also includes a new connection to the rotor on state road DC8 and the removal of a temporary rotor on the A8.

"This is one of the most important transport infrastructure projects as it will fully connect the Istrian County with the Croatian motorway network, and thus with Zagreb, Rijeka, and the rest of Croatia," stated the Minister. He emphasized the project's importance for Istria, Croatia's leading tourist region, which attracts over five million visitors annually, predominantly by road. The upgrade is also expected to foster development in northeastern Istria.

To facilitate the expansion, property rights were resolved, including the expropriation of land in a populated area, which led to the relocation of several families. The project is being carried out concurrently with the final section of the A8 between the Uฤka Tunnel and the Matulji interchange, handled by BINA-Istra. Upon completion, the Istrian Ypsilon will operate at full capacity, including the Mirna Bridge and Limska Draga Viaduct.

This is one of the most important transport infrastructure projects as it will fully connect the Istrian County with the Croatian motorway network, and thus with Zagreb, Rijeka, and the rest of Croatia.

โ€” Minister of the Sea, Transport, and InfrastructureHighlighting the strategic importance of the Matulji interchange expansion for regional and national connectivity.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog