Severe Weather Disrupts Croatian Motorways and Implements New Winter Regulations

Severe weather conditions, marked by heavy snowfall and strong winds, have caused significant disruption across Croatian motorways, leading to widespread closures and delays. The Croatian Auto Club (Hrvatski Auto Klub) reported that these adverse conditions manifested primarily on Friday, impacting key transportation routes.

A major point of concern is the A1 Zagreb-Ploče-Karamatići motorway, a vital connection between northern and southern Croatia, which has been completely shut down to all traffic between the Sveti Rok and Posedarje junctions due to the strong winds. This closure is expected to severely affect the flow of traffic between different regions of the country. Additionally, the Paški Bridge remains open solely to passenger cars, thus limiting access to the island of Pag.

The winter storm has also affected maritime transport, with a number of ferry and catamaran lines to Croatian islands being canceled for the day, further isolating these areas from the mainland.

Heavy snowfall has been reported in the mountainous regions of Gorski Kotar and Lika. These areas are crucial transit zones between Croatia’s interior and its coastal regions, including Dalmatia, Rijeka, and Istria. The snowfall has effectively cut off these routes for articulated lorries and vehicles not equipped with winter gear, presenting substantial logistical challenges.

The Croatian authorities have imposed additional traffic bans on several other routes as a precautionary measure. Notably, the DC99 state road between Križišće and the local road Kraljevica-Križišće (LC58107) is restricted, and specific bans apply to parts of the Adriatic Highway (DC8), affecting various types of vehicles from buses to trucks with covered cargo spaces.

These hazardous conditions are reported nationwide, with snowfall impacting other interior regions, especially Gorski Kotar, Lika, and parts of eastern Croatia. The combination of snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds is causing icy road surfaces, significantly increasing the risk for motorists. Authorities are urging drivers to maintain reduced speeds, ensure their vehicles are properly equipped with winter tires, and avoid unnecessary travel.

Meanwhile, ongoing maintenance work on certain roadways is adding to the prevailing disruptions. On the A4 Goričan-Zagreb motorway, the exit ramp at the Sesvete junction is closed to traffic approaching from Goričan. Similarly, the A6 Rijeka-Zagreb motorway faces closures of exit ramps, which include critical points like the Oštrovica junction towards Krk and Crikvenica, and the Orehovica junction towards Trsat from Zagreb.

This tumultuous weather comes just before Croatia’s winter road regulations are set to come into effect. From November 15th, all motor vehicles are required to be equipped with winter equipment, regardless of the immediate weather conditions. The regulations are enforceable until April 15th, with exceptions only for military vehicles. The Croatian police, along with an increased camera presence, are on high alert to enforce these rules.

According to HAK, winter tyres are crucial as they maintain flexibility and adhesive properties below 7 degrees Celsius, markedly reducing stopping distances on icy roads. The authorities stress the importance of adherence to these regulations to ensure safety on the roads during the harsh winter months.