The renovation of the 5.5-kilometer stretch of the Nikšić-Kuside road, which commenced in July 2023, is expected to be completed within 25 days, contingent on favorable weather. The Traffic Administration has indicated that the final phases of work necessitate dry conditions, low winds, and a minimum temperature of ten degrees.

This project, costing 6.88 million euros and undertaken by the Nikšić-based firm “Mehanizacija i programat,” was delayed beyond its initial one-year timeframe due to the need to relocate electrical installations, land acquisition issues, and adjustments to project documentation.

Last June, the Administration informed “Vijesti” that the work would be finished by the end of the summer tourist season, later adjusting that completion would be delayed until late 2024.

“We are finalizing the sidewalks, installing street lighting poles, completing tasks related to the Auto Baza bridge, and setting up traffic signage and protective barriers. The remaining tasks include the installation of traffic signals and finalizing the asphalt surface from Auto Baza to Vukov Most. The contractor is putting in extra effort, and we are doing our best to support a swift conclusion to these works, ensuring the road is fully operational as soon as possible. This period is particularly challenging when the focus is on conducting sensitive final works,” commented Nikola Arnaut, an independent advisor at the Traffic Administration and project coordinator for the M7 highway reconstruction.

The delay has caused frustration among residents of the Kočani local community and travelers using this route, leading to significant traffic disruptions with extensive queues and long waiting periods.

“The congestion was significant, and movement was quite slow, but it appears unavoidable. Complaining doesn’t help; I just observe. The Traffic Directorate designs, the state funds, and Mehanization and Program Department executes the works. They have their own pace,” stated Punisa Buric, president of the Local Municipality Council.

The project encompasses a total reconstruction of the Nikšić-Kuside roadway, including the construction of a roundabout at the turnoff to Lake Krupac, a connecting road to the airport at Kapino Polje, a sidewalk extending from Vukov Bridge to the Vitalac overpass, upgrading public lighting over a length of 2.5 kilometers, widening the road to two lanes each measuring 3.5 meters, and setting up water drainage systems in the airport vicinity.

“We are committed to ensuring that all enhancements included in the project adhere to the initial plans so that the final output is a high-quality roadway that meets all safety, usability, and accessibility standards expected by road users,” Arnaut affirmed.

He highlighted that both the Municipality of Nikšić and Cedis provided valuable support throughout the project, noting it as “a successful collaboration.”

“In my view, the effectiveness of a project is not solely measured by how quickly it is completed, but also by the quality of the work relative to the budget constraints. Our supervisory team ensures that the implementation standards are met, asking whether the project is on time or delayed. Ultimately, I believe that a high-quality outcome within the allocated budget is of utmost importance,” Arnaut concluded.

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