Construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Novi Sad with access roads on the existing pillars of the former Franz Joseph Bridge, and reconstruction of the existing tunnel with elevators to the upper plateau of the Petrovaradin Fortress.
Thu, 07-31-2025 - 11:55
Project carrier:
Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure
Project title:
Construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Novi Sad with access roads on the existing pillars of the former Franz Joseph Bridge, and reconstruction of the existing tunnel with elevators to the upper plateau of the Petrovaradin Fortress.
Contracting Authority:
Government of the Republic of Serbia Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia (Financier) City of Novi Sad(Investor)
Main contractor:
China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group LTD, part of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group Co., Ltd. Group
Investor:
City of Novi Sad
Designer:
Institute of Transportation CIP
Strategic and legal basis:
General Master Plan for Transport in the Republic of Serbia 2009–2027Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation in the Field of Infrastructure between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the People's Republic of China.Conclusion of the Government of the Republic of Serbia of September 19, 2024, recognizing the project for the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge in Novi Sad as a project of particular importance for the Republic of Serbia;Commercial agreement on the design and execution of works on the construction of a bridge with access roads and the reconstruction of the existing tunnel with elevators to the upper plateau of the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad between theGovernment of the Republic of Serbia and the China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group dated 02.10.2024.Agreement on financing and regulating rights and obligations related to the implementation of the project of the construction of a bridge with accessible traffic surfaces on the existing pillars of the former Franz Josef Bridge and the reconstruction of the existing tunnel to the upper plateau of the fortress in Novi Sad between the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure and the City of Novi Sad dated 24.1.2025.Direct contracting based on the intergovernmental agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
The significance of the project:
The implementation of the investment in question promotes a sustainable form of transport, which will lead to a greater number of users and less air pollution, i.e. less traffic congestion, and contributes to improving the way space is used and increasing accessibility and attractiveness, as well as positive effects on the development of tourism, the promotion of cultural heritage and the quality of urban areas and the lives of citizens themselves.
Status of the project:
The preparation of the project brief for the development of the Design for the Construction Permit is currently underway.
Investment value:
Estimated value: 39 million euros
Source of finance:
The project is financed by funds from the budget of the Republic of Serbia.
Project description:
The pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Danube in Novi Sad is designed to be built on the pillars of the former Franz Josef Bridge, built in 1883 according to the design of the German civil engineer Karl Baumann, as part of the then Budapest - Zemun railway. The newly designed bridge, which spans 450 meters and is 12 meters wide, will provide a connection from the Srem side to a tunnel situated beneath the level of the fortress itself. Access to the bridge from the city will be via the intersection of Bulevar Cara Lazara with Kej žrtava racije and Sunčani kej. From the Petrovaradin side, the bridge will traverse the Danube rampart and subsequently enter the tunnel that will lead to the elevator. The bridge and tunnel will be fully accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, a portion of the tunnel will accommodate a promotional and exhibition space dedicated to the history of the Petrovaradin Fortress. An elevator will be available from the tunnel to the plateau at the Petrovaradin Fortress, and a staircase will also be available. Pedestrian paths will be six meters wide, and cycling paths will be three meters wide. They will be separated by barriers to ensure the paths are used for their intended purpose. With regard to the materials employed in the construction of the bridge, the structure itself will be composed of steel, while the railings will be constructed of glass. The pedestrian floor will be wood, and cycling paths will be tartan tracks. The construction of the bridge itself is planned to be undertaken upon the existing piers of the old bridge. The bridge structure comprises a continuous steel lattice girder, spanning a total length of 412 meters. The project also encompasses the reconstruction of Kamenički Put Street at the foot of the Petrovaradin Fortress, as well as the construction of access ramps for the bridge, accompanied by the landscaping along the rampart adjacent to Kamenički Put. The project also involves the rehabilitation and arrangement of the former railway tunnel, coupled with the construction of a new tunnel branch and a tunnel shaft to accommodate elevators and stairs. The total length of the existing tunnel being reconstructed is 355 meters. The final segments in the sequence are the exit to the Fortress and landscaping in the parking area at the site of the former guardhouse, as well as the reconstruction of the roadway and access to the tunnel in the “Lovoturs” zone.