Dalmatina
Length:	382 km (237 mi)
Planned length:	553.7 km
From:	Zagreb
Major junctions:	A3 near Zagreb A6 near Bosiljevo A10 near Ploče
To:	Dubrovnik
Countries:	Croatia
Regions:	Zagreb, Zagreb County, Karlovac County, Lika-Senj County, Zadar county, Šibenik-Knin County, Split-Dalmatia County, Dubrovnik-Neretva County
Major cities:	Zagreb, Karlovac, Zadar, Split, Ploče, Dubrovnik

Motorway A1 (Croatian: Autocesta A1), is a motorway in Croatia. It currently spans 416 km from Zagreb (exit Lučko), via Split, to Šestanovac. In the future, it will reach Ploče (in 2008) and Dubrovnik.

The A1 is generally considered to be the central highway of Croatia, as it connects the continental part of Croatia and the capital city Zagreb with the coastal part of Croatia and the second-largest city Split, the first such modern highway (autocesta) that passes in such length through the mountainous region of the country.

Characteristics

The highway consists of two lanes and an emergency lane in each direction in its full length. The only exceptions currently are the Mala Kapela Tunnel and the Sveti Rok Tunnel, where the second tubes are not finished yet. They are planned to be finished and opened for traffic in 2009. Each of the tunnels connects two climate zones - Mala Kapela connects the continental climate of central Croatia with the mountain climate of the highlands, while Sveti Rok tunnel connects the mountain climate with the Mediterranean climate of Dalmatia.

Almost all interchanges are trumpets, except Lučko (modified cloverleaf) and Žuta Lokva interchange (directional T).

The highway winds itself as a panoramic road through the Croatian hills, goes along the Dalmatian coast and passes through or near several national parks - the Plitvice Lakes and the Krka National Park. There are numerous service areas alongside the highway.

History

The A1 was the showpiece project of all previous Croatian governments. The first section from Zagreb to Karlovac was built in the 1970s, but then the construction stopped. An attempt to revive it occurred in the 1990s when the drilling of the Sveti Rok Tunnel began. More massive construction ensued since the beginning of the 2000s, culminating with the grand opening on June 26, 2005 of the section Karlovac-Split. The section between Split and Šestanovac opened on June 27, 2007.

Further construction

After the main opening, the road building continued towards Dubrovnik. Completion up to Ploče is scheduled for June 2008 (60 km). How the A1 will continue after Ploče is yet unknown. It is possible that the Pelješac bridge will be incorporated into the motorway.

Gallery

A1 near the Sveti Rok Tunnel

View from the A1 50 km north of the Sveti Rok Tunnel

Trtat hill with windmills and A-1 highway, near Šibenik, Croatia

External links

• Exit list of A1
• HAC

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