The bridge across the Sava River is a key part of the city's highway network and lies on the E70/E75 European route.

The European Investment Bank last week approved an initial disbursement of up to US$13.2 million for the bridge, which has been delayed because of issues relating to the resettlement of people living at its ends.

Reconstruction is now likely to start next week and will be carried out in four phases over the next 22 months, said Putevi Srbije director Zoran Drobnjak.