IRD Engineering has signed a new significant contract supporting the development of strategic road infrastructure in Montenegro. The agreement, concluded with the public enterprise Monteput, covers the provision of supervision services for the design and construction of the Matesevo–Andrijevica section of the Bar–Boljare Highway.

The value of the supervision contract amounts to €14.45 million, excluding VAT, and the planned duration of the services is 90 months, including the defect notification period. The value of the construction works is estimated at €694 million.

The contract was formally signed by Mr. Milan Liljanic, CEO of Monteput, and Mr. Alvaro Diez, Deputy Managing Director of IRD Engineering. The ceremony was also attended by Mr. Remon Zakaria, Head of Montenegro for the EBRD; Mr. Dragan Kostadinov, Regional Director of IRD Engineering; Mr. Goran Vujovic, PIU Director; Mr. Aleksandar Dozic, President of the Board of Directors of Monteput; as well as several representatives of EBRD, Monteput and IRD Engineering.

A Strategic Infrastructure Priority for Montenegro

The Bar–Boljare Highway is part of the Belgrade–Southern Adriatic branch of the Trans-European Motorway (TEM), linking the main north–south European route (from Gdańsk to Athens and Istanbul) with the Adriatic Sea. Together with Road and Rail Route 4 and the Bar–Vrbnica Railway, it forms part of Montenegro’s indicative core TEN‑T network, representing long-term national priorities aimed at strengthening domestic and regional connectivity.

The 22‑kilometre Matesevo–Andrijevica section is considered a flagship investment, mostly financed through a loan from the EBRD and a substantial grant from the European Union, demonstrating strong international support for Montenegro’s commitment to high-quality, sustainable transport infrastructure.

Supporting Regional Development, Integration, and EU Accession

This section forms the next stage of the Bar–Boljare motorway, a vital north–south corridor connecting the Port of Bar with the Serbian border. The previously completed Smokovac–Matesevo section has already delivered major improvements to travel conditions across Montenegro’s mountainous terrain.

The Matesevo–Andrijevica section will extend these benefits by enhancing accessibility to less developed regions, stimulating investment, and reinforcing Montenegro’s integration into broader regional and European transport corridors under the Western Balkans Connectivity Agenda.

Importantly, the project facilitates deeper regional integration and supports Montenegro’s long-term trajectory toward a close accession as a member of the European Union, by improving cross-border connectivity, strengthening transport interoperability, and harmonising infrastructure standards with those of the EU.

IRD Engineering’s Role as “The Engineer”

Under this assignment, IRD Engineering will support Monteput in ensuring the timely, efficient, and effective implementation of the project. Acting as “the Engineer” in accordance with FIDIC conditions, IRD Engineering will provide comprehensive supervision of design and construction works, contract administration, and project management support.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Supervision of design preparation and construction activities
  • Ensuring compliance with technical, legal, environmental, and safety standards
  • Administration and management of contract variations
  • Safeguarding project integrity, budget control, and alignment with strategic goals

Long-standing Presence in Montenegro

IRD Engineering has been active in Montenegro since 2005 and maintains a branch office in Podgorica, from which it manages its national operations. Over the years, the company has successfully delivered numerous major infrastructure projects across the country.

Fully licensed to provide civil engineering services in Montenegro, with this important contract IRD reinforces its long-term commitment and established technical presence in the market.

If at any time you have any questions or want to give us your feedback, please e-mail us at info@irdeng.com