Morava Corridor: lighting works on A5 until October 21
Serbia's road authority has announced works on every section of the A5 motorway, in both directions. Here is what it means for drivers and how long the wait is at Batrovci today.
Driving the Morava Corridor early this week? Expect roadworks: from October 19 to 21, Roads of Serbia (Putevi Srbije) will be working on the lighting of the A5 motorway, on all sections and in both directions.
What exactly is being done on the A5 motorway?
Roads of Serbia announced on Saturday evening that the lighting system will be maintained, with fixtures and distribution cabinets replaced. Work starts on Monday, October 19, and ends on Wednesday, October 21.
The works are carried out on the move. Crews take up the hard shoulder or the passing lane, over a stretch of up to 50 meters, depending on the location. When work is under way in the passing lane, traffic runs in the driving lane and the hard shoulder. The site is marked with traffic signs and equipment.
The announcement does not say at what hours the crews work or at which kilometer markers. That means there is no way to know in advance where you will meet them, and since the works cover the whole route, they can turn up on any section.
How do you drive past moving roadworks?
A few simple steps before you set off:
- Expect the hard shoulder to be unavailable in places, and plan for that before you leave.
- When signs appear ahead of you, slow down early, because traffic narrows at that point.
- If the passing lane is taken, use the driving lane and the hard shoulder, as the announcement says, and keep your distance.
The Automobile and Motorcycle Association of Serbia (AMSS) reminds drivers to adjust their speed to the condition of the road surface and the conditions on the road. According to its forecast, the weather is favorable for driving.
Where are traffic jams expected today?
AMSS says traffic was lighter this morning. In the afternoon and evening, because the weekend is ending, more vehicles are expected on the approaches to cities and on main routes. Delays are possible on sections with works, though AMSS does not specify which sections. There are no delays at motorway toll stations.
How long is the wait at Batrovci?
According to Border Police Directorate data from 5 a.m., trucks leaving Serbia wait about seven hours at Batrovci and about two hours at Sid. At the other border crossings there are no longer delays, for either trucks or passenger vehicles.
The Batrovci figure applies to trucks. The report gives no number for passenger vehicles at that crossing, so check a fresh figure before you leave, because this one dates from early this morning.
