Bechtel and ENKA each boast rich histories, and together, possess nearly 200 years of combined experience—an impressive feat in today’s competitive landscape. For 35 years, the joint venture has tackled some of the industry’s most challenging motorway projects. The Morava Corridor Motorway Project’s program management exemplifies a commitment to excellence, representing a complex endeavor that few can undertake.
The Morava Corridor Motorway Project is a 112km dual carriageway designed for speeds up to 130km/h, connecting Pojate and the A1 through Kruševac to Preljina, north of Čačak. Running along the West Morava River valley, it links central Serbia with Pan-European Corridors 10 and 11, facilitating connections to Bosnia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. By improving the flow of goods and people, it will enhance safety, reduce transportation costs, shorten travel times, boost trade, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth, making it a key driver of regional prosperity.
The project management team has extensive expertise in environment, safety and health (ES&H), engineering, construction, quality assurance and control, procurement, project controls, finance, human resources, public relations, community relations, and sustainability. The team is dedicated to delivering this vital project of national importance for the Serbian Government.
The 112km motorway is elevated to 4.3m in most sections to prevent flooding. The project encompasses 3,647,448m³ of excavation for motorway works, 12,017,032m³ for river regulation, and 36,875,058m³ from borrow pits. It includes 20,975,470m³ of gravel fill, 1,835,026.92m³ of subgrade, and 1,240,261.77 m³ of subbase material. The partners will lay 1.23 million tonnes of asphalt, construct 37 overpasses, build 78 bridges, and install 236 km of drainage systems with 202 oil separators.
Final touches include 478 km of guardrails, 230km of wire fencing, 150,000m² of road markings, and 2,400 traffic signs to ensure safety and efficiency. The motorway boosts Serbia's appeal to investors by integrating smart features and a 5G digital corridor for enhanced communication and operational efficiency. Situated on the Morava River's floodplain, it utilises innovative hydro-technical solutions to manage water flow and reduce flood risks in surrounding areas.
At Bechtel-ENKA, sustainability drives operations on the Morava Corridor Motorway, and the fleet’s efficiency reflects this commitment to reducing the climate footprint. By strategically locating borrow pits and waste areas close to sites, the partners cut operational cost, minimised equipment travel, and reduced fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation.
From 2020 to 2024, the partners employed 11,324 individuals from 32 nationalities. The current workforce exceeds 4,000 employees, comprising 48% Indian nationals, 24% Turkish, and 27% Serbian. To support the diverse workforce, the partners launched a mental health action plan to prioritise well-being and safety. The human resources, ES&H, public relations, and camp management teams collaborate to organise inclusive events that build community, celebrates diversity, and promotes wellness.
In December 2023, the first three sections of the motorway, totaling 27km, opened to public traffic ahead of schedule and the partners are on track to deliver the next 30km to the customer by year-end.
