Delayed Boulevard Construction in Podgorica Increases Costs by €1.5 Million

The construction of Bulevar Veljka Vlahovića in Podgorica, initially scheduled for completion by April 2023, has faced significant delays and cost overruns. Originally announced on October 30, 2020, the project was to be completed within 30 months. However, the contract with the initial construction firm, Tehnoput MNE, was terminated last year after multiple missed deadlines. A new contractor, Crnagoraput AD, was engaged on October 7, with an expected completion date two months behind the original schedule.

Residents of Podgorica have been waiting nearly two and a half years longer than planned for the completion of this vital infrastructure project. The delay has also led to an increase in costs, with the total expenditure now expected to reach approximately €6 million, up from the initially agreed €4.6 million.

Background and Initial Plans

The Bulevar Veljka Vlahovića project was heralded as a significant development for Podgorica, particularly for the Stari Aerodrom area. When construction was launched, city officials emphasized the importance of the boulevard as a key traffic artery not only for the local area but for the entire city. The project was initially valued at €4.6 million, with a planned duration of 30 months.

Given the straightforward terrain and absence of unresolved property issues, there was confidence that the project would meet its deadline. However, a series of interruptions and contractor changes have plagued its progress.

Challenges and Contractor Changes

After the termination of the contract with Tehnoput MNE, the Agency for Construction and Development of Podgorica announced that Crnagoraput would take over. The new contractor provided a dynamic plan in December, projecting completion by May 8, with the boulevard opening on May 9. Despite these assurances, the project remains incomplete.

“The value of the works contracted with Crnagoraput is €3,697,155, including VAT, funded by the state budget. The total value of all works, including those from 2020 to 2024, is around €6 million. The exact cost will be known after the final accounting,” stated the Agency for Construction and Development.

Current Status and Ongoing Work

As of now, the installation of curbs and two of the three planned asphalt layers on the boulevard is complete. Work on cross streets, which require two asphalt layers, is nearing the completion of the first layer. The final wearing course is currently being laid on the boulevard, along with the concreting of sidewalks and installation of manhole covers and drainage grates.

Remaining tasks include the installation of traffic lights at intersections with Cvijetna Street and Zmaj Jovina Boulevard, as well as the creation of horizontal and vertical signage. The Agency for Construction and Development anticipates that the boulevard will be completed by July 13.

Implications and Future Prospects

This project, realized by the Main City in collaboration with the Directorate for Capital Projects, spans 1.9 kilometers and will feature six traffic lanes, three in each direction, separated by a median strip. In certain sections, the boulevard will have a cross-profile similar to a highway, exceeding 45 meters in width. Additionally, a one-meter-wide bicycle lane will run along both sides of Bulevar Veljka Vlahovića.

The delays and increased costs have raised concerns about project management and accountability. As Podgorica continues to grow, effective infrastructure development is crucial for accommodating the city’s needs. The completion of Bulevar Veljka Vlahovića will not only alleviate traffic congestion but also enhance connectivity in the region.

Looking ahead, city officials and contractors must ensure that future projects are managed more efficiently to prevent similar setbacks. The lessons learned from this project could inform better practices and policies for infrastructure development in Montenegro.