Client: China Road and Bridge Corporation

Location: Montenegro

Route Length: 40.87 km

Work Period: August 2015 – December 2016

Service to Scope: Geotechnical Investigation and Civil Engineering Design Consulting

The Smokovac-Mateševo section of Montenegro's North-South Expressway is built to a four-lane (partially six-lane) bidirectional standard with a design speed of 100 km/h (80 km/h in sections). The 40.87 km route has a bridge-tunnel ratio of approximately 57%. Executed under the EPC model, the project owner is Montenegro's Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, with China Road and Bridge Corporation as the general contractor.

     As Montenegro's first highway project constructed entirely to European standards in extremely complex terrain, it presented significant challenges in technical adaptation, cost control, and construction management. This flagship infrastructure project, led by the Montenegrin government, will connect to the international road network and link multiple Central European countries upon completion, driving national economic development. The Smokovac-Mateševo section was prioritized per government planning.

     As the most technically and constructionally challenging road in Montenegro's transportation plan, the route traverses highly complex topography with extreme elevation changes, deep valleys (some hundreds of meters deep), steep slopes, and frequent severe weather. With numerous bridges, tunnels, and extended high embankment sections, the project strictly follows Montenegrin and European standards, representing a key milestone in the contractor's global expansion strategy.