The contractor for Križišće–Jadranovo was formally instructed to begin work on 16 October. The first section is 5.2 kilometres long. The contractual construction period is now running — but this is not yet a usable alternative route.

01

A different milestone from signing the contract

On 16 October 2026, Hrvatske autoceste formally instructed contractor GP Krk to begin work on Križišće–Jadranovo. This marks the start of construction on the first part of the A7 extension towards Selce. The contract was signed on 23 March, but the 36-month construction period runs from this formal start.

HAC puts the cost of the 5.2-kilometre section at 151.48 million euros excluding VAT. Calculated from the construction period, completion would fall in autumn 2029. That is an interpretation of the contractual timeframe, not a confirmed opening date for traffic.

Painted symbolic view of a road tunnel under construction in a limestone hillside
Golden Beach / OpenAI ImageGen · AI-generated symbolic illustration, not a documentary photograph or a depiction of the actual Križišće tunnel
02

Major structures on a short stretch

The first section includes the approximately 2,060-metre Križišće tunnel, two viaducts and two underpasses. The transport ministry identifies underpasses at Javornik and the Jadranovo interchange, among other structures. The short distance therefore says little about how straightforward construction will be.

The tunnel is described as having two tubes. These structures alone help explain why several years may separate a visible construction start from a usable road link. Any effects on local access routes must be established through specific traffic notices as work progresses.

03

The route to Selce is a separate next step

The full Križišće–Selce link covers 17.5 kilometres. For Jadranovo–Selce, HAC specifies a further 12.3 kilometres and a contract worth 252 million euros excluding VAT. The contractor for that section is expected to receive the formal instruction to begin work by the end of 2026.

The ministry notes that the permit for this second part is still pending. The confirmed start at Križišće must therefore not be taken to apply to all subsequent sections as far as Selce, let alone Žuta Lokva.

04

What changes for your next journey

The new alignment is not yet an alternative for current journeys. Travellers along the Kvarner should continue to plan around the road network that is actually open and check HAK for roadworks and closures.

Promised future relief is no substitute for allowing extra time today. Nor does this construction start establish any particular journey-time saving or an end to summer traffic jams.

Evidence

Sources & date

Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.

  1. Construction of the Križišće–Jadranovo subsection begins with the contractor's formal startHrvatske autoceste (HAC) · 16 October 2026Construction start, length, contractor, values excluding VAT and start of the contractual period
  2. Contractor formally starts work on the Križišće–Jadranovo subsectionMinistry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure · 16 October 2026Structures and distinction from the subsequent section, which still requires a permit
  3. Current traffic conditionsHAK · continuously updated; checked 17 October 2026Current route check, not a guarantee of future construction deadlines
Time-sensitive information may change. Please check the linked primary source before travelling.