Beloljin - Pločnik - Merdare is located on the indicative extension of the TEN-T to the Western Balkans, respectively on Route 7. This highway section is part of the new Niš - Priština highway, which will connect with the existing Durrës - Tirana - Priština highway, and also interconnect Route 7 with Corridor Xc, going Niš - Dimitrovgrad - Bulgarian border.
This section, characterised as the most difficult part of the Niš - Merdare highway, has a length of 43.7 km and passes through hilly to mountainous areas. It will have three junctions (Kuršumlija, Rudare and Merdare), 53 bridges (10,293 m in total), 29 tunnels (14,305 m in total) and numerous small structures.
A WBIF technical assistance grant, allocated in December 2020, will support the preparation of the technical documentation (Design for Construction Permit, updated EIA/ESIA and Tender Documents for works and services) and the tendering process for Beloljin - Pločnik - Merdare highway.
