New pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Danube on the existing piers of the former Franz Josef Bridge

The project for the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge, together with the restoration of structures within Petrovaradin Fortress and its Lower Town, includes:

construction of the bridge on the existing piers of the former bridge
construction of access ramps and landscaping on the Novi Sad side, along Tsar Lazar Boulevard, from the junction with Stevan Musić Street to the junction with Radnička Street
reconstruction of Kamenički put at the foot of Petrovaradin Fortress, including access ramps and landscaping along the fortification wall
rehabilitation and upgrading of the former railway tunnel, including construction of a new tunnel branch and a vertical shaft with lifts and staircases
access to the Fortress and landscaping in the area of the former guardhouse (now a parking zone)
reconstruction of the roadway and access to the tunnel in the “Lovoturs” area, including installation of a modular public toilet

The bridge will be 12 metres wide, with a structural span of 437.6 metres. Its construction will establish a continuous pedestrian and cycle route, with access from all directions provided via grade-separated junctions to ensure comfortable and safe movement for users.

In 2019, an urban and architectural design competition was held for the conceptual design of the bridge. The winning solution evokes the appearance of the historic bridge, while fitting harmoniously into the surrounding setting and preserving key views of Petrovaradin Fortress.

In March 2022, a contract was signed for the preparation of technical documentation for the bridge and its access infrastructure, as well as for the reconstruction of the existing tunnel with lifts to the upper plateau of Petrovaradin Fortress, with a value of 51.8 million dinars. Upon completion of this phase, conditions were met to proceed with the remaining technical documentation (detailed design for construction permit and execution design) and the construction works.

On 25 November 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed for the implementation of the project, between the Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure and a representative of China Shandong International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group Ltd. The project will be fully financed by the Republic of Serbia.

On 2 October 2024, the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Serbia and China Shandong International Economic & Technical Cooperation Group Ltd. signed a contract covering the completion of the remaining technical documentation and the construction of the bridge.

The estimated investment value for the construction of the bridge is 4.6 billion dinars (including VAT).