In 2027, Novi Sad is expected to gain a pedestrian and cycling bridge on the pillars of the former Franz Joseph Bridge, built in 1883, with planned access roads and the reconstruction of the existing tunnel leading to the upper plateau of the fortress.
The Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure has announced a public call for the provision of professional supervision services over the works and technical control of the project for the construction permit. The tender is worth 250 million dinars, and applications can be submitted until 2 October.
The public procurement procedure is being conducted to conclude a contract with a single contractor for a period of 18 months.
The newly designed bridge, which will lead from the Srem side into a tunnel beneath the fortress itself, will be 450 metres long and 12 metres wide. From the city, it will be accessible from the crossroads of Bulevar Cara Lazara with Kej žrtava racije and Sunčani kej.
On the Petrovaradin side, the bridge will cross over the Danube rampart and enter a tunnel leading to a lift. The bridge and tunnel will be fully passable for pedestrians and cyclists, while part of the tunnel will house an exhibition and promotional space dedicated to the history of Petrovaradin Fortress.
From the tunnel, citizens of Novi Sad and their guests will be able to reach the fortress plateau by lift, with a staircase also available.
The pedestrian paths will be six metres wide, and the cycling lanes three metres. They will be separated by barriers to ensure proper use. As for construction materials, the structure will be made of steel, with glass railings. The pedestrian flooring will be made of wood, while the cycling lanes will be surfaced with tartan.
According to the technical specification, in addition to the bridge, the project includes the construction of access ramps and landscaping on the Novi Sad side, along Bulevar Cara Lazara from the crossroads with Stevana Musića Street up to the crossroads with Radnička Street.
The project also foresees the reconstruction of Kamenički put Street at the foot of Petrovaradin Fortress and the construction of bridge access ramps with landscaping along the rampart on Kamenički put. It also includes the repair and redevelopment of the former railway tunnel, with a new tunnel branch and a shaft to house lifts and stairs. The total length of the existing tunnel to be reconstructed is 355 metres.
The final segments include the exit to the fortress and landscaping in the parking area at the site of the former guardhouse, as well as the reconstruction of the road and tunnel access in the Lovoturs zone.
Parking for passenger vehicles is planned on the Novi Sad side at the site of the current informal parking area. Access will be from Radnička Street, with 36 spaces provided, two of which will be reserved for people with disabilities.
Completion of works in 2027
In early October 2024, a contract was signed between the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure and the Chinese group Shandong Hi-Speed for the design and execution of works.
The main contractor is China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group LTD. At that time, it was announced that construction would begin in spring 2025 and be completed during 2027. The estimated value of the bridge is 39 million euros, and the project is financed from the budget of the Republic of Serbia.