The Montenegro roads and infrastructure aim both ways of decreasing bad environmental impact, improving the quality conditions of air and water supplies as well as rebuilding highways in the coastal region of Montenegro.
Of course, the main and most important goal of Montenegro roads is adding an attractive image of the country that can be easily visited and cities that are well connected to one another offering a view into rich Montenegro culture to its guests.
But, the infrastructure isn’t always optimal in Montenegro. The highways often only have only one lane and you shouldn’t be surprised if the main road is closed for a couple of hours (or even days or months) due to construction work.
Energy, environmental and infrastructure projects are always good news in Montenegro. Montenegro road infrastructure has never seen more investments in history than today, in numerous and ambitious infrastructure projects, led simultaneously throughout the county.
Main Montenegro Roads are Always in Progress
The first major issue of Montenegro roads infrastructure is the fact that the state’s transit driveways are not all up to the task of connecting all the areas of the rapidly developing country.
The Montenegro infrastructure project is part of a wider program to reconstruct twelve main road sections, with a total length of approximately 216 km, being co-financed by the state and private investors.
The ultimate objective of this program of new infrastructure in Montenegro is the improvement of the connections between the two main airports, and the facilitation around them that have a great flow of goods and domestic and international tourists. The three greatest and most important Montenegro roads that pass through the country are:
- The M-2 road section Rožaje – Špiljani (20 km long Montenegro roads),
- The M-18 road section Podgorica – Danilovgrad (15 km) and
- The M-2 road section Tivat – Budva (16 km long Montenegro roads reaching the Jaz beach, one of the best beaches in Montenegro)
Montenegro infrastructure leading the way in sustainable development
For a small country whose economy heavily relies on tourism, investment in airport infrastructure is a precondition for boosting overall development and attracting more visitors.
The aim of the constant Montenegro road construction projects is boosting the capacities of Podgorica and Tivat Airports in terms of expanding their capacities and installing modern equipment that will ultimately provide comfortable and efficient servicing for the ever-growing number of passengers.
These infrastructural projects will ensure that Montenegro roads become more accessible and in line with all the international standards. It is planned to set up an energy management system and work on the Tivat airport carbon accreditation.
Reducing carbon and increasing airport sustainability will start with the measurement of carbon footprint.
Growing more passengers, thus boosting tourism and overall economic growth!
Responsible use of materials during the expansion of Montenegrin infrastructure gives a functional and modern transport economy that is able to develop its full potential. The goal is to help the country develop sustainable transport infrastructure and contribute to energy efficiency to carbon accreditation of airports.
The Rehabilitation of Slopes – twisting Montenegro roads chiselled into the mountainside
Montenegro roads through the mountains give an incredible landscape beauty that can be a match for any country in the world. The undulating Montenegro mountains stand out because of the numerous canyons that had to be connected somehow by monumental bridges and railways.
Railway Infrastructure of Montenegro
The railway infrastructure of Montenegro mostly consists of railways being implemented on mountain slopes, zigzagging up the hills and railways going across bridges above the canyons. The state supervises and takes care of 5 concrete bridges on the Vrbnica River which are part of the Bar railway line and tunnel number 206.
Burning plans for hydropower exploitation and reconstruction of gas pipelines.
Moreover, there are plans for necessary traffic projects and others such as “the exploitation of hydropower potentials and water management of the flows of the rivers Drina, Piva, Tara, Ćehotina, Lim, Ibar and Morača with hydropower plants on the Morača and Komarnica rivers.
The railway and Montenegro roads are both part of the Italy-Montenegro-Serbia-Bosnia-Herzegovina interconnection section involving the Ionian-Adriatic gas pipeline.
The ecological reconstruction of the Pljevlja power plant will introduce central heating in the town of Pljevlja, upgrading energy efficiency in public buildings and securing quality power supplies to many of the tourist resort areas.
Montenegro Highways: A Growing Network
Montenegro’s highway infrastructure is rapidly developing to connect key cities and regions more efficiently. Here are the main highways currently under construction in Montenegro.
Bar-Boljare Highway: The largest Montenegrin project since independence
Moračica Bridge is clear proof that humankind, or more specifically, the Chinese and Montenegrin collaboration in infrastructure – has mastered the ability to conquer geography.
Rising 200 meters above the Morača riverbed, this kilometre-long bridge is the apex of an ambitious new highway running from Smokovac, near Montenegro’s capital of Podgorica, to Matesevo in the North.
The motorway goes through the almost impassable mountain terrain.
The new 41-kilometre stretch of Montenegro roads shoots right through Montenegro’s craggy scenery, its 20 bridges and 16 tunnels shortening a 180-kilometre nail-biting journey into a carefree 30-minute drive.
But this impressive piece of civil engineering doesn’t come cheap, and critics of the highway claim that their small country can’t afford such a glitzy project and that the state will end up in great debt with the Chinese constructors.
The Smokovac-Matesevo highway, also known as Princess Xenia Highway, is a tarmac artery that the government hopes will run from the Adriatic port of Bar to Boljare, on Montenegro’s Northern border with Serbia – part of the future Belgrade-Bar motorway.
The part that will go through Montenegro is the biggest Montenegrin investment since the country gained independence in 2006. It will include about 165 km of roads, 48 tunnels, 107 bridges and several viaducts.
Adriatic-Ionian Highway: Connecting the Coastline and Beyond
The Adriatic-Ionian Highway, often referred to as the Blue Corridor, is an ambitious infrastructural project set to redefine travel along the stunning Adriatic and Ionian coasts. Spanning over 1,100 kilometres, this highway will connect several countries, including Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece, providing a seamless and scenic route for residents, tourists, and businesses alike.
For Montenegro, this highway is more than just a road; it represents a gateway to growth, accessibility, and an elevated travel experience. Positioned as a central hub, Montenegro stands to gain significantly from this project, further establishing its status as a premier destination for leisure, investment, and luxury living.
Montenegro Highway Tolls – Pricing and Criteria
| Category | Vehicle Type | Highway Bar-Boljare (Pelje Brijeg – Veruša – Mateševo) | Tunnel Sozina |
| Category 1 | Motorcycles, mopeds, quadricycles | €0.50 – €1.50 | €1 |
| Category 2 (a) | Vehicles ≤1.3m at the first axle | €1.50 – €3.50 | €2.50 |
| Category 2 (b) | Vehicles ≤1.9m and ≤3,500kg | €1.50 – €3.50 | €2.50 |
| Category 3 (a) | Vehicles with 3+ axles, height ≤1.3m at the first axle | €2.50 – €6.00 | €5 |
| Category 3 (b) | Vehicles with 3+ axles, height ≤1.9m and ≤3,500kg | €2.50 – €6.00 | €5 |
| Category 3 (c) | Vehicles with 2 axles, height >1.9m and ≤3,500kg | €2.50 – €6.00 | €5 |
| Category 4 (a) | Vehicles >3,500kg, height >1.3m at the first axle | €4.50 – €10.50 | €10 |
| Category 4 (b) | Vehicles >3,500kg, height >1.9m and with a trailer | €4.50 – €10.50 | €10 |
| Category 5 | Vehicles with 4+ axles, height >1.3m, weight >3,500kg | €7.00 – €17.00 | €18 |
Roads Leading to Montenegro’s Top Attractions
Montenegro’s diverse attractions are connected by a network of roads that cater to all types of travellers. Here’s how to reach some of the country’s must-visit sights:
Durmitor National Park and Tara Canyon
- Route: From Podgorica, take the E762 and then regional roads to Žabljak.
- Distance: About 130 kilometers.
- Road Conditions: Well-maintained, but expect narrow sections as you approach Žabljak.
- Seasonal Considerations: Snow chains may be required in winter.
Lake Skadar
- Route: The M2.3 road connects Podgorica to the towns of Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića near Lake Skadar.
- Distance: Approximately 25 kilometres from Podgorica.
- Key Features: The road offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Ostrog Monastery
- Route: Accessible via the E762 from Podgorica or Nikšić, with a steep and narrow final approach.
- Safety Tip: Drive cautiously on the final stretch, as it has sharp turns and limited space for overtaking.
Roads Around Tivat: A Gateway to the Bay
Tivat, located in the Bay of Kotor, is a key destination for travellers exploring Montenegro. Its road network is crucial for accessing the luxurious Porto Montenegro marina, the Tivat Airport, and nearby towns.
Jadranska Magistrala (Adriatic Highway)
- Route: This coastal road connects Tivat with Herceg Novi, Kotor, and Budva.
- Features: The road is scenic but narrow in some sections, with occasional traffic during summer months.
- Safety Tips: Exercise caution on curves and look out for pedestrians and cyclists.
Road to Lovćen National Park
- Route: A steep and winding road leads from Tivat to Lovćen National Park, offering panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor.
- Challenges: The road has sharp turns and requires confident driving.
Vrmac Tunnel
- Purpose: This tunnel connects Tivat to Kotor, bypassing the winding coastal road and saving travel time.
- Length: Approximately 1.6 kilometres.
Montenegro infrastructure promises a futuristic approach to building
The second challenge that Montenegro infrastructure will face going forward is its’ ageing buildings. Montenegrin cities are often full of Yugoslav-era buildings or panel-style buildings. These were all built prior to 1990. with the idea to last for about 30 years, and many of the buildings are already in varying states of disrepair.
These buildings are also incredibly inefficient in heat. While replacing them all at once is virtually impossible, alternative ways to redesign them, prolong their life spans and make them more energy-efficient – are taking hold at the moment.
Along with traditional improvements, adding green roofs to these buildings is becoming a more and more popular solution. Studies have shown that green roofs are able to significantly reduce the amount of heat that radiates from a building via the roof.
This helps to keep most of the heat in the residences and reduce overall energy usage. This promises to promote green infrastructure in Montenegro as well.
Some infrastructure in Montenegro has a long way to go before it catches up with the rest of the country, mostly looking up into the more developed, tourist areas such as the Porto Montenegro marina resorts around Tivat.Montenegrin infrastructure can be expected to undergo major improvements as the economy continues to develop, promising better experiences for our more affluent guests, with its environmentally friendly and incredible accommodation, making everyday life more interesting and bringing greater convenience, both to Montenegrins and their guests.