The Gradiška border crossing, one of the most important crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, was closed on 19 May 2026 after a section of the pedestrian walkway on the old bridge over the River Sava collapsed. On the same day, traffic was temporarily rerouted to the new bridge (Sava Bridge II) in Gradiška, where it will operate until the old bridge is repaired, and no later than 19 August 2026.
In this article, we bring you all the confirmed facts about the closure, the temporary solution, and what it means for drivers who use this route.
Table of Contents
- What Happened to the Bridge in Gradiška
- Minister Forto: Emergency Session of the Council of Ministers
- Temporary Relocation to the New Bridge
- UIO BiH Clarification: Relocation, Not a New Opening
- Repair of the Old Bridge
- What This Means for Drivers
- Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
What Happened to the Bridge in Gradiška
During the night of 18-19 May 2026, after midnight, a section of the safety railing and pedestrian walkway on the bridge over the River Sava connecting Gradiška (BiH) and Stara Gradiška (Croatia) collapsed. The bridge was built in 1956 and has a total length of 240 metres.
Immediately after the incident, the relevant police services halted traffic across the bridge and on the approach roads in Gradiška. This temporarily suspended operations at the Gradiška border crossing, one of the busiest crossings on the BiH-Croatia border.
Expert teams from JP Putevi Republike Srpske and Hrvatske ceste d.o.o. were dispatched to the site to conduct a detailed inspection of the bridge and assess its safety. The Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH (MKT) immediately contacted the responsible institutions in both BiH and Croatia.
Minister Forto: Emergency Session of the Council of Ministers
The BiH Minister of Communications and Transport responded on the same day, confirming that the Gradiška border crossing was closed to all traffic. Given the importance of this border crossing for international passenger and freight transport, an emergency session of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina was announced.
During the emergency session, information from the responsible institutions was reviewed, along with the condition of the bridge and urgent measures aimed at restoring safe traffic flow as quickly as possible.
The MKT BiH, together with the Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia, is responsible for implementing the Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges on the border between BiH and Croatia. Maintenance and reconstruction are funded on a 50:50 basis, while the maintenance work is carried out by the respective road infrastructure managers — JP Putevi RS on the Bosnian side and Hrvatske ceste on the Croatian side.
Temporary Relocation to the New Bridge
On the same day, 19 May 2026, the BiH Ministry of Security issued a decision enabling the temporary rerouting of international traffic via the new bridge in Gradiška (also known as Sava Bridge II). The decision was signed by the Deputy Minister of Security, Ivica Bošnjak.
Key details of the temporary relocation:
- Start date: 19 May 2026, from 19:00
- Duration: until the old bridge is repaired, no later than 19 August 2026 at 19:00
- Type of traffic: open to ALL international passenger and freight traffic (including lorries)
- Customs procedures: all remain the same, using the existing Gradiška Border Crossing code (BA094161)
The Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH (UIO) issued a Decision on the temporary relocation of the Customs Office to the new bridge location. All customs procedures are carried out using the existing border crossing code, official stamps, and the same IT applications previously used at the old crossing.
UIO BiH Clarification: Relocation, Not a New Opening
Due to misinterpretations in some media outlets, the Indirect Taxation Authority of BiH issued a special statement clarifying that this is not the opening of a new temporary border crossing, but rather a temporary relocation of the existing Gradiška Border Crossing to a new location.
This distinction is important because at the temporary location, the Gradiška Border Crossing operates in exactly the same way as it did at the previous location, in accordance with the Agreement on Border Crossings between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia. This means that international passenger and goods traffic requiring full inspection oversight is permitted.
The customs officers who previously worked at the old border crossing have been transferred to the new location without the need for additional staff. The UIO reassigned its officers in accordance with current legislation and in line with the decision of the BiH Ministry of Security.
Repair of the Old Bridge
According to available information, repair work on the old bridge over the Sava in Gradiška has commenced. Expert teams from Putevi Republike Srpske and Hrvatske ceste conducted a detailed inspection of the bridge, and restoration work is currently under way.
The repair is being funded on the same 50:50 basis between BiH and Croatia, in accordance with the Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges. Given the age of the bridge (built in 1956, over 70 years old), the scope of the required work is substantial.
The deadline for completing the repairs and returning traffic to the old bridge depends on the results of the detailed inspections and the extent of the damage. In any case, the temporary arrangement on the new bridge remains valid until 19 August 2026 at the latest.
What This Means for Drivers
Drivers using the Gradiška border crossing should be aware of the following:
Passenger vehicles
The temporary border crossing on the new bridge is open and fully operational for all passenger vehicles. Customs and border procedures remain the same as at the old crossing. Drivers do not need any additional documents or permits.
Freight vehicles and lorries
Klix.ba confirmed that the temporary crossing is also open to freight vehicles. This means lorry drivers can use the new bridge for international freight transport without restrictions. This is particularly important for transport companies and drivers who use this route daily.
Alternative routes
For drivers who wish to avoid potential queues at the temporary crossing, alternative border crossings nearby include:
- Brod border crossing — approximately 80 km east of Gradiška
- Jasenovac border crossing — approximately 40 km to the west
- Kostajnica border crossing — approximately 60 km to the west
However, since the temporary crossing on the new bridge accommodates all traffic, most drivers will not need to change their route.
Operating hours
The temporary border crossing operates in the same manner as the previous one, including the same operating hours and customs procedures. Drivers should not expect any significant changes to border procedures.
Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges
The situation surrounding the Gradiška bridge has brought renewed attention to the state of infrastructure at border crossings between BiH and Croatia. The Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges on the border between the two countries stipulates that maintenance and reconstruction are funded on a 50:50 basis.
In this specific case, JP Putevi Republike Srpske is responsible on the Bosnian side, while Hrvatske ceste d.o.o. is responsible on the Croatian side. The bridge in Gradiška, built in 1956 with a total length of 240 metres, is one of the most important crossings on the border between the two countries.
The Ministry of Communications and Transport of BiH announced that it will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates to the public on all further activities related to the bridge repair and the restoration of normal traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Gradiška border crossing open for traffic?
Yes, the Gradiška border crossing has been temporarily relocated to the new bridge (Sava Bridge II) in Gradiška. It is open to all international passenger and freight traffic since 19 May 2026 from 19:00.
Can lorries cross the border at Gradiška?
Yes, the temporary crossing on the new bridge is also open to freight vehicles, including lorries. All customs and border procedures remain the same.
How long does the temporary relocation last?
The temporary crossing on the new bridge is valid until the old bridge is repaired, and no later than 19 August 2026 at 19:00.
Do I need different documents to cross at the new bridge?
No, all customs procedures are carried out in the same way as at the old crossing. The same codes, stamps, and procedures are used. No additional documentation is required.
What happened to the old bridge?
During the night of 18-19 May 2026, a section of the pedestrian walkway on the old bridge over the Sava collapsed. The bridge was built in 1956 (240 m long) and has been closed to all traffic while repairs are under way.
Who is funding the bridge repair?
The repair is funded on a 50:50 basis between BiH and Croatia, in accordance with the Agreement on Maintenance of Interstate Bridges. On the BiH side, JP Putevi RS is responsible, while on the Croatian side it is Hrvatske ceste d.o.o.
Sources
- Ministar Forto: Gradiška zatvorena, Vijeće ministara će imati hitnu sjednicu - MKT BiH
- UIO BiH: Novi granični prelaz Gradiška nije otvoren, već privremeno premješten na drugu lokaciju - Federalna.ba
- Privremeno otvoren novi granični prijelaz Gradiška, prošla i prva vozila - Klix.ba
- Novi granični prijelaz Gradiška otvoren je privremeno i za teretna vozila - Klix.ba
- Most Gradiška: granični prelaz premješten - Slobodna Evropa
- Počela sanacija mosta u Gradišci - Glas Srpske