Large congestion on the A1: One section of the motorway closed

Heavy traffic has developed on Croatia’s A1 motorway near Zagreb, with parts of the highway temporarily closed due to a road accident. According to reports from the Croatian Transport Agency (HAK), the incident occurred between the junctions of Otočac and Perušić, approximately 167 kilometers from Zagreb, in the direction towards Dubrovnik. The closure forced drivers to reroute through national roads instead of using the motorway, leading to congestion in both directions. The situation has caused significant delays, with traffic jams extending around 18 kilometers in the direction of Zagreb and approximately 16 kilometers toward Dubrovnik. In response to the disruption, authorities have diverted traffic away from the tunnel of Grič in the direction of Dubrovnik to prevent further bottlenecks within the tunnel. At the Otočac junction, heading toward Dubrovnik, the queue stretches about four kilometers. Additional congestion has been reported between the toll stations of Lučko and Bosiljevo 2 in the coastal direction, as well as between the Zadar East junction and the Bristovac tunnel, and between Karlovac and Lučko in the direction of Zagreb. Traffic has also become sluggish at several toll stations along the route. At Demerje, heading toward Zagreb, vehicles are queued for about one kilometer. Similarly, at Lučko in the direction of Zagreb, there is a backlog of approximately one kilometer. On the other hand, in the coastal direction, the congestion at Lučko extends about one kilometer from the Jadran Avenue entrance and up to two kilometers from the Buzina (A3) entry point. Meanwhile, on the A2 motorway connecting Zagreb and Macelj, a similar situation has emerged at the Trakošćan toll station, where a column of vehicles has formed, stretching roughly one kilometer in the direction of Zagreb. Authorities have issued warnings regarding the conditions on the roads, noting that sections of the motorways are wet and slippery. They have urged drivers to adjust their speed and driving style accordingly, while maintaining a safe distance between vehicles. These precautions are essential given the current levels of congestion and the potential for hazardous driving conditions. The impact of the closures has affected multiple routes, creating a complex network of detours and delays. Drivers traveling between major cities such as Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik have faced considerable disruptions, with some opting to take alternative routes via national highways rather than the motorways. This shift in traffic patterns has led to increased pressure on secondary roads, which were not designed to handle such volumes during peak hours. As of now, there is no indication that the closures will be lifted soon. Emergency services continue to work on clearing the area, but the extent of damage and the time required for repairs remain uncertain. Until further notice, travelers are advised to plan their journeys carefully and consider alternative routes to avoid being caught in the ongoing traffic chaos.