The bridge was officially named after Franjo Tuđman, the first president of independent Croatia.
Construction took over two decades to reach completion, with work stalling during the Croatian War of Independence.
It is the only cable-stayed bridge in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.
The pylons reach a height of 141 meters above the sea surface.
The bridge's construction was necessary to relieve traffic congestion in the narrow, winding streets of the Rijeka Dubrovačka valley.
The Dr. Franjo Tuđman Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge spanning the Rijeka Dubrovačka inlet at the entrance to the port of Gruž in Dubrovnik. It connects the Adriatic coastal highway to the northern areas of the city, serving as a vital transportation artery. Completed in 2002 after years of construction delays, the bridge reaches a maximum height of 50 meters above sea level. The structure features a main span of 304 meters and a total length of 518 meters. It is designed to withstand extreme wind conditions common to the region, including the local bora winds. The bridge facilitates traffic flow between the Dubrovnik city center and the western suburbs, effectively bypassing the historic narrow roads of the coastal inlet.
The western end of the bridge offers an elevated perspective looking back toward the port of Gruž and the city skyline.
Visit during sunset for views of the cruise ships entering the port of Gruž.
Use the designated pedestrian walkways cautiously, as traffic speeds can be high.
The area is highly exposed to wind; dress appropriately for weather conditions.
Attempting to walk across the bridge during high-wind warnings, as the pedestrian path is narrow and fully exposed.
