Image: Traffic in Croatia/Illustration CU
Traffic in Croatia is heavy on several sections of the A1 Zagreb–Split–Dubrovnik motorway, according to the latest update from the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) at 11:54 am on August 14.
A queue of around 10 kilometres has formed at the Bosiljevo 2 interchange in the direction of Zagreb, while traffic is backed up for approximately eight kilometres ahead of the Grič tunnel, also towards Zagreb.
Between the Zadar Istok interchange and the Čelinka tunnel, vehicles are moving in queues towards Zagreb with occasional standstills.
A broken-down car between the Sitno rest area and the Danilo interchange is blocking one lane towards Zagreb. Traffic is passing in the remaining lane with an 80 km/h speed limit.
Wildfires close roads near Omiš and disrupt traffic on Pelješac
Update: The D8 coastal road reopened to all traffic at 1:22 pm on August 14, Split-Dalmatia Police confirmed.
The ongoing wildfires in Dalmatia are causing significant disruption to traffic in Croatia, particularly along the southern coast.
The D8 Adriatic coastal road remains closed through Lokva Rogoznica, between Stanići and Medići, due to the wildfire that spread towards Omiš overnight.
The Omiš bypass (DC553) is also closed in the direction of Makarska because of the fire.
On the Pelješac peninsula, where another large wildfire is being fought, traffic on the DC414 between Prizdrina and Potomje is moving in one lane, alternately in each direction under police control.
The DC415 between Donja Banda and Trpanj has meanwhile been closed to all traffic in both directions because of a large queue of vehicles. HAK is asking drivers in the area for patience.
Queues in both directions on Krk Bridge
Heavy traffic is also affecting Krk Bridge. Queues have formed in both directions, stretching between the Šmrika and Omišalj roundabouts towards the island and from Njivice towards the mainland.
Elsewhere on the Adriatic coastal road, strong winds have prompted restrictions between Senj and Karlobag. Motorcycles, vehicles towing trailers and double-decker buses are currently prohibited from using this section.
Heavy traffic on coastal and inland routes
Elsewhere, traffic in Croatia is particularly dense on urban roads, bypasses and major routes connecting the coast with the interior, as well as on roads along the Adriatic coast.
Most other roads remain open without significant restrictions apart from sections affected by roadworks. HAK is advising drivers to adjust their speed to road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
Ferry and catamaran services affected
The Kraljevica–Crikvenica–Senj–Baška–Lopar–Rab–Lun catamaran service and the Drvenik–Sućuraj ferry service are currently suspended.
Jadrolinija has also changed the timetable on the Ploče–Trpanj ferry route due to the situation caused by the wildfire. The ferry will operate continuously rather than following its standard timetable.
Traffic in Croatia expected to remain heavy on August 15
HAK expects another busy day on Croatian roads on Saturday, August 15, when Croatia marks the Assumption of Mary, a public holiday and an important pilgrimage day.
Large numbers of pilgrims are expected to travel during the night and morning towards Marian shrines across the country. Particularly heavy pedestrian movement is expected from Zagreb and Varaždin towards Marija Bistrica, from Split towards Sinj, and on roads approaching Trsat, Aljmaš and Krasno.
HAK is reminding pilgrims walking along roads to stay on the left side, walk in single file and use reflective vests and lights to remain visible.
Heavy holiday traffic expected towards the coast and inland
In addition to pilgrimage traffic, traffic in Croatia is expected to increase on most major routes towards both the coast and the interior.
Motorways, approaches to tourist destinations along the Adriatic, roads towards the island of Krk and Krk Bridge, ferry ports and border crossings are all expected to be particularly busy.
Slow-moving queues and shorter delays are likely on sections of the motorway, especially around toll stations, rest areas, tunnels, roadworks and temporary traffic restrictions.
HAK is advising drivers to reduce their speed, leave additional space between vehicles and be prepared for queues and delays. Heavy passenger traffic is also expected at most border crossings, where longer waiting times may occur periodically.
