Montenegro is preparing to enhance its transport infrastructure with the upcoming signing of a €693.97 million contract for the design and construction of the Mateševo–Andrijevica section of the Bar–Boljare motorway. This contract, part of the A-1 motorway project, is anticipated to be signed in late February, specifically on February 27, following government approval for Monteput’s executive director to engage with the selected contractor, the PowerChina–Stecol–PCCD consortium.
The segment, spanning approximately 22 to 23 kilometers from Mateševo to Andrijevica, is crucial for completing the north-south motorway that connects the Adriatic port of Bar with the Serbian border. This development follows the recent completion and opening of the first phase of the motorway, which extends from Smokovac to Mateševo.
The financing for this project combines both domestic and international resources. A significant portion of the funding includes a €200 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a €150 million investment grant from the European Union. The remainder is expected to be covered by Montenegro’s state budget, ensuring alignment with EBRD standards and maximizing contributions from EU co-financing.
The procurement process involved evaluating three qualified bids. The PowerChina–Stecol–PCCD consortium submitted the lowest compliant bid at €693.97 million, surpassing offers from the Cengiz–Azvirt consortium at €735 million and China Communications Construction Company at €724.64 million. A fourth bid was disqualified due to non-compliance with tender requirements.
Upon contract finalization, preparatory and design work is set to commence this year, followed by construction over the next five years. The Mateševo–Andrijevica section is regarded as a significant infrastructure initiative for Montenegro, anticipated to enhance regional connectivity, boost economic growth in northern municipalities, and fortify transport links with neighboring countries.
