The Mayor of Karlovac has announced a new analysis of the Kurelčeva Street reconstruction project, inviting the Eko Pan association to cooperate. He also commented on numerous other ongoing projects in the city.
Karlovac Mayor Damir Mandić stated on Thursday, August 6, 2026, that he believes it is possible to find a technical solution for the reconstruction of Kurelčeva Street that will not result in the removal of most existing trees. This statement followed days of inquiries from concerned citizens regarding the project, which involves tree felling.
Mandić explained that the reconstruction of Kurelčeva Street is part of a broader integrated project for the renovation of Ban Jelačić Square and the construction of the Zvijezda Bypass, but the key difference lies in the planning documentation. "It should be borne in mind that the works on the square, i.e., the construction of the bypass, are tied to the architectural and urban planning competition, i.e., the Urban Development Plan for Zvijezda, and it was not possible to change the project there, but the arrangement of Kurelčeva as such is not tied to... the Urban Development Plan for Zvijezda, and here we actually have the opportunity to rethink the entire reconstruction project for Kurelčeva Street," said Mandić.
The mayor has already tasked city services with reviewing the project from a new perspective. "In principle, I can say that we really need to think carefully about what and how here," Mandić stated, adding that he believes there is room to incorporate existing pedestrian and bicycle paths into the project without mass tree felling. He emphasized that the public procurement for the works on Kurelčeva has not yet been carried out and that there is no time pressure. "We are not in any time crunch, and as soon as we have some basic information and data, we will inform the public," he said.
He also issued an open invitation to representatives of the Eko Pan association to come forward and comment on the new solutions together with the city administration. He reminded that all involved, including city councilors and some residents of Kurelčeva Street, had already been familiarized with the project documentation.
The conference also addressed other important city projects. Regarding the Banijan Bridge, Mandić reported that work is progressing, although issues with Telekom's infrastructure have arisen. "Their traffic solution lasts until August 18, and I expect that after that, traffic will be enabled... for cars across the bridge itself," he said, adding that he is not ready to sign contract extensions until the contractor fulfills their obligations.
Work on the new road in Luščić, known as Prsten, has been extended due to unforeseen problems. "Hrvatske ceste, which is carrying out the work, i.e., the contractors, have requested an extension, and it has been moved to the end of September," Mandić confirmed, expressing confidence that the job will be completed to a high standard.
He also expressed concern about the pace of the renovation of Dragojla Jarnević Elementary School. "The work on Dragojla itself is not going at the pace and intensity we expected. Here, I must also say that we are having certain problems with the contractor," he stated, announcing that the school will spend the first semester of the new school year in temporary premises.
Mandic confirmed that construction work on the Croatian Home has been completed and that the equipping phase is next. The institution's governing council has appointed Valentina Belavić as director, and her presentation is expected by the end of August. "I believe that job vacancies will be advertised as early as next week," the mayor announced.
He also commented on the current hydrological situation, noting that Karlovac's water supply, although stable, is under pressure. "At this moment, we in Karlovac are in a good position. It is not yet a crisis situation, although we must be aware that no significant rainfall is forecast in the coming period," Mandić said. He appealed to citizens to be responsible and avoid filling swimming pools and watering gardens to ensure supply if the dry period continues. The situation will be monitored daily in cooperation with the city's Water Supply and Sewerage company.
