Although the tender was announced back in December 2025 and the contractor selected in April, the start of the extensive renovation of Zagreb's westernmost bridge has been delayed by an appeal process before the State Commission for the Control of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM).
The planned major renovation of the Podsused Bridge, a key traffic link between Zagreb and Samobor, has stalled before work even began. Although the City of Zagreb had announced the start of the €3.6 million project for the summer months, it remains on hold due to an ongoing appeal before the State Commission for the Control of Public Procurement Procedures (DKOM).
The tender for the contractor was announced back in December 2025, and in April 2026, the company Spegra was selected as the winner. However, just a few weeks later, on May 17, 2026, an appeal was filed by ZP Hidrostres and MAR d.o.o., which had bid jointly.
Three bids were submitted for the tender. According to Večernji list, the lowest price of €2,933,131 was offered by ZP Hidrostres and MAR d.o.o. Sitolor submitted a bid of €3,101,354 excluding VAT, while Spegra, which was ultimately chosen, offered €3,333,333. Although Spegra's bid was not the most financially favorable, it achieved the highest overall score, securing the win.
Until DKOM rules on the appeal, the public procurement process cannot be concluded, and work cannot begin. Even if the decision favors the City of Zagreb, several more weeks will pass before the contractor can be brought in.
The scope of the procurement includes extensive renovation of the bridge, which is over 350 meters long, with a 10-month deadline for completion. The planned work involves inspection, restoration, and, if necessary, replacement of key structural elements. This includes repairing the abutments and their cladding, restoring the piers, inspecting and renewing bearings and transition devices, repairing concrete surfaces and waterproofing, and restoring and protecting steel elements.
The work will also cover the pedestrian and cycling path on the western approach, upgrading bridge equipment, improving the stormwater drainage system, renewing traffic signage and ancillary elements, as well as extending the pedestrian and cycling path on both sides of the bridge.
The City of Zagreb, via its website regulacija.zagreb.hr, has announced that traffic during the works will mostly alternate in one lane, with additional regulation by traffic lights. One pedestrian and cycling path will also be maintained. Full traffic closures are planned only during the most demanding operations, such as replacing bearings and seals, when traffic will be temporarily diverted to neighboring city bridges.
The City also emphasized the project's importance for long-term safety. "The maintenance works on the Podsused Bridge will ensure its long-term safety and functionality. Over the years, the bridge has been exposed to various weather conditions, leading to gradual degradation of certain structural elements," the project description states. They add that the works are being carried out because "certain parts of the bridge require repair to preserve the static safety, stability, and functionality of the structure," and that "timely maintenance prevents further damage and ensures reliable use of the bridge in the future."
