DODIK: RECONSTRUCTION OF KLAŠNICE-BANJALUKA ROAD WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS

LAKTAŠI, OCTOBER 11 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik said that the reconstruction of the Klašnice-Banjaluka main road is a major project that will provide higher-quality service to all traffic participants.

Dodik explained that the section, more than 13 kilometers long, is being reconstructed at a cost of BAM 12 million. "This is the first comprehensive reconstruction since the expressway was built in the 1970s," Dodik said, stressing that it is an important milestone that will create a modern transport route. He added that the project will include a full reconstruction of the road, improvements to stormwater drainage systems, and new street lighting. "It will be a comprehensive project that will ensure better and safer travel for everyone. This is very important because it serves as the main entry route into our capital, which hosts many important visitors," Dodik told reporters in Laktaši following the ceremony marking the start of works. According to him, the contractor is Mrkonjićputevi, a company expected to complete the work to high standards. Dodik noted that road construction and rehabilitation projects are currently underway across Republika Srpska, reminding that the main road from Zvornik to Sokolac has been completely renovated. "We have also announced the reconstruction of the road toward Mrkonjić Grad, which is essential to make the approach to our capital, Banjaluka, more dignified and efficient," Dodik said. He expressed satisfaction with the work of acting director of Putevi Srpske /Roads of Srpska/ Miroslav Janković, noting that road infrastructure improvements are being implemented throughout Srpska. "It is very important to maintain good transport connections. People leave via small roads, but they arrive via big ones. We have opened Banjaluka from one direction; now we must begin construction of the highway from Mrkonjić Grad toward here," he said. Dodik emphasized that one of Srpska's key priorities is the continuation of highway construction from Modriča to the Brčko District. "Work has already begun on the section from Brčko toward Bijeljina, and it should be completed within the next two years. Serbia is finishing the highway from Kuzmin to the bridge at Rača, which has just passed technical inspection and will soon be operational," Dodik said. The president underlined that the goal is to ensure a direct highway connection between Prijedor and Mrkonjić Grad, through Banjaluka, all the way to Belgrade. "This is not only a matter of transportation—it reflects our broader political and developmental goals," Dodik noted. He also announced the beginning of work on the Ravna Romanija section, including the addition of a third traffic lane. "Reconstruction from Sokolac to Pale is also moving forward," Dodik said. He expressed pride in the construction of the Banjaluka-Doboj and Banjaluka-Gradiška highways. "We expect that the completion of the Croatian section will enable faster border crossings. The border checkpoints and bridge have been completed, and Gradiška will thus have the opportunity to develop new industrial zones," Dodik concluded. The ceremony marking the start of reconstruction was attended by Minister of Transport and Communications Zoran Stevanović, Minister of Finance and Treasury in the Council of Ministers Srđan Amidžić, acting director of Putevi Republike Srpske Miroslav Janković, and Mayor of Laktaši Miroslav Bojić. Also present were Director of the Republic Administration for Geodetic and Property Affairs /RUGIPP/ Dragan Stanković and President of the Banjaluka City Assembly Ljubo Ninković.