A9 (Croatia)

A9 (Croatia)

The A9 motorway (Croatian: Autocesta A9) is a north–south motorway in Croatia, with a length of 78.3 kilometres (48.7 miles). Beginning in Pula, the largest city on the Istrian peninsula, it runs north to the Croatian motorway and expressway network at the Kanfanar interchange. Here it meets the A8 motorway, forming the Istrian Y road system. The A9 continues north from here to the Kaštel and Plovanija border crossings into Slovenia. The motorway represents a significant north–south transportation corridor in Croatia and is a part of the European route E751. The motorway's national significance is reflected in the positive economic impact on the cities and towns it connects, as well as its importance to tourism in Croatia. Importance of the motorway for tourism is particularly high during summer tourist seasons, when traffic volume increases by more than 80%.

The A9 motorway construction works began in 1988 with its first section opening in 1991, the second one following the next year and extending the completed route to just 13.6 kilometres (8.5 miles). Lack of funding caused delays in further development, and in 1995, BINA Istra was awarded a 32-year build-operate-transfer concession to develop the Istrian Y, including the A9. Construction soon resumed, and by 2006 the entire route was completed as a two-lane expressway with grade separated intersections. In 2008 further construction works were initiated, aimed at upgrading the newly built road to a six-lane motorway. By June 2011 the entire A9 route was brought up to motorway standard, except for the Mirna Bridge and the Limska Draga Viaduct, where parallel structures are designed to be built by 2014. The motorway is planned to connect to the Slovenian H5 expressway by 2013.

The motorway consists of two traffic lanes and an emergency lane in each driving direction, separated by a central reservation, except at the two bridges. All intersections of the A9 motorway are grade separated, and as of September 2011, there are 10 exits and 6 rest areas along the route. Since the motorway is tolled, using a ticket system, each exit includes a toll plaza; and the A9 motorway and the A8 motorway have an integrated toll system in place.