Zagreb's mayor, Tomislav Tomašević, announced during a press conference on Wednesday that over 5.7 kilometers of tram tracks have been reconstructed this summer, with the exception of work on Trešnjevka. He emphasized that more than 90 percent of planned infrastructure projects have either been completed or will be finished within the scheduled timeframe, while some works will continue into autumn. Tomašević noted that it was impossible to make up for decades of insufficient investment in Zagreb’s infrastructure in just one summer, especially given issues such as burst water pipes, inadequately reconstructed gas networks, and tram lines that had not been maintained for years, causing noise and safety concerns. The mayor stated that the most challenging tasks related to traffic diversion would be carried out during the summer months, when traffic is less intense, although some projects could not be limited solely to the summer season. He added that there were ongoing projects lasting throughout the year, with some extending until the end of the year. Tomašević explained that investments in underground infrastructure such as water supply and gas systems are not visible to citizens once completed, unlike visible projects such as buildings. This lack of visibility has led to delays in such projects for decades, as they create traffic disruptions and are therefore unpopular. He highlighted that Zagreb still has water supply pipes dating back to the 19th century, not the 20th, and reiterated his commitment to maintaining city infrastructure despite the challenges. The mayor thanked employees of municipal offices and companies, particularly those working under extreme heat conditions during several heatwaves. He specifically mentioned Zagreb Roads, ZET, Water Supply and Drainage, and other municipal enterprises, along with private contractors hired through public procurement. Several major projects have been completed this summer, including the reconstruction of the intersection of Vukovarska and Savska streets, which has been fully opened to traffic, as well as the eastern part of Vukovarska street. The reconstruction of the water supply system has resulted in the opening of all three lanes east of the intersection. Work on the tram track on Branimirova Street has also been completed, aiming to reduce vibrations and noise for residents. Other completed projects include the reconstruction of the main water supply pipeline in Selska Street, resulting in the full opening of the street profile, and work on the main water supply pipeline in Vukovarska Street from Selska to Poljička. Additional work continues on another section of Vukovarska Street, as well as on the gas pipeline in Selska Street and the intersection of Selska and Zagorska Streets. The most difficult phase of work on the lower level of the overpass on Selska and Zagreb Avenue has also been completed, with traffic on Selska Street previously restricted to one lane in each direction and all turns closed at the intersection of Selska and Zagreb Avenue. Residents of Kostelska Street in Trešnjevka have faced significant difficulties due to prolonged construction work. The street has been dug up for months, with dust raised by passing vehicles, potholes, bumps, and uneven pavement becoming a daily reality for residents. Although the replacement of water pipes began last autumn, the road surface has yet to be restored, leaving large temporary construction sites that residents must navigate by car, bicycle, or on foot. Muhamed, a resident of Kostelska Street, described the situation as frustrating, noting that the dust entering homes forces residents to keep windows closed even during hot weather. He expressed frustration that the relatively short street has taken so long to asphalt, affecting both driving and parking. Another resident, Petar, who works near the area, mentioned that a colleague had fallen and broken her leg due to the uneven pavement. Despite these complaints, some residents, like Gordana, acknowledged the importance of the infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing that it is better to address the deteriorating infrastructure rather than wait for it to fail completely. The delay in completing the Kostelska Street project has been acknowledged by Mayor Tomašević, who cited a series of inquiries and responses from potential contractors during the public procurement process. The tender for the extraordinary maintenance of Kostelska Street was published on April 22, with an estimated value of 650,000 euros excluding VAT. The contract was awarded to GKT-GRADIN, with a signed agreement worth 582,242.95 euros including VAT on August 3. According to a notice from the City's Road Sector sent to the local government on August 27, work is expected to begin on September 3 and should take approximately three months. The reconstruction will cover around 430 meters of Kostelska Street from Krapinska to Jankomirska Streets, involving improvements to the road surface, sidewalks, drainage, public lighting, traffic signals, and landscape design. The work will be carried out in at least two phases, with the first focusing on the segment from Jankomirska to Zvečajska Streets. If everything proceeds according to plan, the street should be completed by early December after months of dust, potholes, and waiting. A section of Zagreb Avenue, a key route on the western side of the city connecting Črnomerec with the Prečko neighborhood, has been closed due to construction work. The closure affects the stretch from Tomislavova Street to Sokolska Street, starting on August 28 at 8:00 AM and expected to finish on September 5 at 4:00 PM. The affected portion is approximately 450 meters long. Alternative routes have been established, including via Tomislavova Street, Ulica Dragutina Golika, Zagreb Avenue, Rudeška Street, and Sokolska Street, as well as through Ilica Street. Residents have been advised to pay attention to temporary signage and exercise patience and understanding due to possible traffic difficulties. As students return to school, traffic engineer Rajko Horvat warned that too many construction sites have been opened simultaneously without realistic timelines, potentially affecting the quality of the work. He criticized the city for opening numerous construction sites in a short period without proper planning, arguing that the previous four years should have been used to prepare for such projects. Horvat questioned whether penalties exist for contractors failing to meet deadlines and suggested checking the terms of contracts to ensure accountability. He also pointed out that the number of workers available to contractors might be insufficient, leading to delays and poor-quality work. Horvat recommended considering night shifts to mitigate the impact of high temperatures on daytime work, but he emphasized that planning is essential to avoid further complications as the academic year begins. He labeled the current approach as political amateurism, highlighting the need for expertise and careful planning to manage the city's infrastructure effectively.
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