The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy has published the draft decision for the Podravina expressway section between Pitomača and Virovitica. The 21.9-kilometre route has been assessed as environmentally acceptable, concluding the environmental impact assessment process.
The future expressway is set to connect Koprivnica, Pitomača, and Virovitica, continuing eastward through the country. Analysis indicates that the new road will take traffic off the Podravina main road, the DC2 state road. This would relieve the localities through which traffic currently passes.
The route passes through nine settlements: Kloštar Podravski, Dinjevac, Pitomača, Stari Gradac, Rogovac, Bušetina, Turanovac, Virovitica, and Brezik. The area is primarily composed of undeveloped agricultural and construction land. The environmental impact study was published by Hrvatske Ceste in September last year. According to it, daily traffic between Pitomača and Virovitica in 2023 ranged from 4,678 to 8,064 vehicles, with peaks of up to 8,213 in the summer.
The draft decision states that the project is acceptable provided strict protective measures are implemented in all phases — from design and construction to the use of the road. Hrvatske Ceste, as the project leader, will be required to protect surface and underground water, soil, and natural habitats. Archaeological surveys are also anticipated at several locations, along with noise protection measures against light pollution.
For residents along the route, a noise protection assessment is planned, along with protective walls at the most exposed points. The plan includes passages for wildlife, restoration of vegetation using native species, and regular monitoring of wildlife casualties in traffic.
The section will ultimately feature four traffic lanes, five junctions, and several overpasses. Crossings for local traffic and agricultural machinery are also included. Following the completion of administrative procedures and the securing of permits, Hrvatske Ceste will be able to proceed with project preparation for the start of construction.
