Major Renovation of Zagreb Bridge Stalled Before It Begins: Works Worth 3.6 Million Euros Still Awaiting

A significant renovation project for Zagreb's Podsusedski Bridge, valued at 3.6 million euros, has been halted before it could begin due to a public procurement dispute. The planned work, intended to ensure the bridge's long-term safety and functionality, is now facing an indefinite delay.

The tender for the construction work was initially announced in December 2025. In April, the company Spegra was selected as the winning bidder. However, the process was soon after challenged before the State Commission for the Control of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM). This appeal has put the entire procurement on hold, preventing the project from moving forward.

Three bids were submitted for the project: Sitolor offered 3,101,354 euros (excluding VAT), Spegra bid 3,333,333 euros, and the joint bid from ZP Hidrostres and MAR was 2,933,131 euros. Although Spegra's bid was not the lowest, it received the highest score, leading to its selection. The appeal, filed on May 17 by ZP Hidrostres and MAR d.o.o., is still pending a decision from DKOM. Until the commission rules, the public procurement process cannot be concluded.

Even if the commission rules in favor of the city, it will take several more weeks for the selected contractor to be officially brought onto the site and for work to commence. The planned renovation includes a comprehensive inspection, repair, and, if necessary, replacement of key bridge elements. This encompasses the pedestrian and bicycle path on the western approach, repairs to abutments and their cladding, restoration of bridge piers, inspection and repair of bearings and expansion joints, rehabilitation of concrete surfaces and waterproofing, renewal and protection of steel elements, upgrading bridge equipment, improving the storm drainage system, renewing traffic signaling, and extending the pedestrian-bicycle path on both sides.

The city had stated that the work was necessary due to years of exposure to weather conditions and traffic loads, which have led to the degradation of certain structural elements. Timely maintenance, they emphasized, prevents further damage and ensures the bridge's reliable use in the future. The project was slated to take 10 months, with traffic managed by alternating lanes and traffic signals during construction. However, the current procurement dispute means these plans are on hold, and the summer construction window is already closing.