Navigating Serbia's Dangerous Ibar Highway: An Overview of State Road 22
State Road 22, known as Ibarska Magistrala or Ibar Highway, connects Belgrade to western Serbia and Montenegro. Due to its hazardous conditions and congestion, it's locally called "Black Highway."
Why is it called Ibar Highway?
The road is named after the Ibar River.
How Long is the Ibar Highway?
The Ibar Highway stretches 297 km (185 miles), connecting Belgrade to the Špiljani border in Montenegro. It is part of the European routes E65, E80, and E763.
What's the Condition of the Ibar Highway?
The highway is fully paved, but its condition varies. Urban sections are generally in fair shape, while rural areas often deteriorate, especially after bad weather. Daytime travel is recommended; night drives are discouraged due to the road's challenges. The highway is mostly single-lane and experiences heavy traffic. In its southern part, the road runs parallel to the Ibar River.
How Dangerous is the Ibar Highway?
The Ibar Highway reports a high number of traffic accidents annually. Between 2017 and 2019, there were 1,736 accidents, resulting in 86 fatalities and 1,619 injuries.