The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy has published a draft decision declaring the 21.9-kilometre (13.5-mile) Pitvica–Virovitica section of the future Podravina motorway environmentally acceptable. This completes the environmental impact assessment, allowing the project to proceed towards securing the site planning permission, the town of Virovitica announced.
The project proponent, Hrvatske ceste (Croatian Roads), will be required to implement a series of protective measures during the design, construction, and operation of the road, in accordance with the draft decision. These include the protection of surface and groundwater, preservation of natural habitats, archaeological surveys at several locations, and measures to mitigate noise and light pollution.
At the most sensitive points along the route, noise barriers are planned. Following the road's opening to traffic, noise levels will be monitored to verify the effectiveness of the measures. Wildlife crossings and adapted drainage structures are planned, alongside the restoration of vegetation using native species. Local access roads will also be maintained to ensure landowners retain access to their plots.
During the public consultation, residents raised concerns regarding the route alignment, noise, and potential expropriation of property. The ministry did not accept proposals to alter the route, citing that the corridor had already been defined by existing spatial plans. Issues of expropriation will be addressed in separate proceedings.
The section will feature four traffic lanes and five junctions: Kladare, Pitvica, Stari Gradac, and Virovitica 1 and 2, along with five viaducts and two overpasses. The route passes through nine settlements, from Kloštar Podravski to Brezike, remaining largely outside built-up areas, with the route bypassing the town of Pitvica itself.
The Podravina motorway is expected to relieve traffic on the D2 state road, the Podravina main road, and increase the safety and flow of traffic through the Podravina region. The published document is a draft decision, not a final ruling; construction is contingent upon the completion of remaining administrative procedures.
