Croatian Roads has launched a public procurement for the design of a new roundabout at a key location between Split and Solin, at the intersection of Splitska, Solinska and Matoševa streets. Once it is completed, and it should be noted that this deadline is still measured in years, citizens can expect a significant reduction in traffic congestion at one of the busiest points in the Split-Solin agglomeration.
The new rotor will be built on the site of the existing traffic light intersection near AD Plastika, and the project, worth 244 thousand euros, is currently in the preliminary consultation phase with potential bidders for the preparation of project documentation.
Technically, it will be a large two-lane roundabout with an outer radius of 48,5 meters and as many as five junctions. The project's specialty is that it will have to resolve the passage over two railway tracks located in the intervention zone. The first is the main Zagreb-Split railway, and the second is the industrial track towards the North Port.
"The project envisages the construction of four artificial tunnels that will enable a graded passage under the rotor without affecting the existing railway infrastructure," the documentation states.
Twice the capacity of standard roundabouts
The new roundabout will be able to handle around 35.000 vehicles per day, which is twice as many as standard intersections, and due to fewer stop-and-go vehicles, noise levels and air pollution will be reduced. In addition, roundabouts are safer than classic ones because there are no head-on or right-angle collisions. Vehicles move in the same direction and at a lower speed, which makes any accidents less dangerous.
The project also includes improvements to pedestrian communications and the construction of new road lighting. Landscaping is also planned to improve the appearance of this part of the city.
The documentation shows that during construction, care will be taken to maintain traffic flow through temporary regulations. A detailed study will be prepared to define how traffic will flow during the works, including possible alternative routes.
The design process will last 12 months from the start of the project, followed by obtaining a building permit and preparing for the start of work. The deadlines for completion of construction will be known after the selection of the contractor.
Photo: screenshot (google maps) / Croatian Roads (competition)
