The Montenegrin government has established a deadline for the completion of the Tivat-Jaz boulevard, requiring that the project be finalized by the end of 2026. This directive places significant pressure on contractors tasked with finishing one of the country’s key coastal road initiatives, particularly as unresolved utility works pose a risk to the timeline.
Transport Minister Radoš Zečević emphasized that the corridor must be fully operational by the end of this year. Contractors have indicated that they can complete the remaining road-surface work as scheduled.
However, there are larger uncertainties surrounding the utility infrastructure associated with Kotor and Budva, where further coordination is necessary regarding water and sewer systems. The boulevard is vital for the Tivat-Kotor-Budva tourism corridor, an area known for heavy traffic congestion during the summer months.
Traffic delays between the airport, Bay of Kotor, and Budva have become a significant impediment to tourism and local transportation. The completion of this project is expected to enhance access to the airport, decrease travel times, and bolster investments in hotels and residential developments along the coast.
The government’s deadline also highlights ongoing challenges in infrastructure development. Often, road construction progresses more rapidly than the installation of underground utilities, resulting in completed road sections reliant on separate municipal or utility projects.
If water and sewer installations are not synchronized with final paving efforts, subsequent excavation could lead to increased costs and further traffic disruptions. This situation makes addressing the remaining utility work a critical issue rather than a mere technicality.
The implications of this project extend beyond transportation; they are closely linked to tourism growth. Montenegro is expanding airline capacity at Tivat amidst rising visitor numbers. Without corresponding improvements in road capacity, there is a risk that congestion will shift from the airport terminal to surrounding transport networks.
The Tivat-Jaz boulevard is thus integral to addressing tourism infrastructure needs alongside airport expansion. The urgency of completing it before the 2027 tourist season is evident.
The primary concern now revolves around timing. Should utility coordination extend into next year, Montenegro may face another summer season with portions of the corridor still incomplete. The government has set its deadline, but whether contractors and local utilities can adhere to it will determine if the project can start delivering its anticipated benefits for tourism and mobility by 2027.
