The European route E 73 is a Class-A north-south European route that connects the central part of the continent with the Adriatic Sea. This 710 km (440 mi) route is also designated as Corridor Vc (Corridor 5c), a branch of the fifth Pan-European corridor. E73 connects three countries, stretching from Budapest, Hungary, via eastern Croatia, bisecting Bosnia and Herzegovina, ending in the Croatian port of Ploče.
The highway route is currently being upgraded in all three countries. The corridor does not only feature the highway, but rail upgrades and airports of significance along the way. The longest part of this corridor goes through Bosnia and Herzegovina and is widely touted as a road instrumental to the development of the country. The road also connects the eastern and southern parts of Croatia directly.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina the E73/A1 passes near the following cities:
- Bosanski Šamac
- Modriča
- Doboj
- Zenica
- Kakanj
- Visoko
- Sarajevo
- Konjic
- Jablanica
- Mostar
Significance
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Corridor Vc highway is one of the most significant and project of the highest priority. The construction works on the road have already begun, but intensified beginning of the construction will be a key starter of economic and social activities, and will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to be connected to main European traffic network, as well as to global European economic and social structure.
Construction of the highway, whose total length is 340 km, will provide: rational connecting to neighboring countries and regions; stabilizing and developing effects will be reached; transport conditions and quality of life improvement; economy competitiveness enhancement; new projects launched and national and international private investments enhancement
The transport Corridor Vc through Bosnia and Herzegovina includes:
- E-road E 73 Šamac-Doboj-Sarajevo-Mostar-Čapljina-Doljani, with exit to the Adriatic Sea in the Port Ploče.
- The railway Šamac-Doboj-Sarajevo-Mostar-Čapljina-Metković.
- Sarajevo and Mostar Airports.
- Waterways and quays on the Sava, Bosna and Neretva Rivers.
