OPTIMIZING THE SPLIT PORT SYSTEM TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The facilities of the Port of Split are capable of accommodating a large number of passengers, cargo and vehicles. However, the road and railway connections between the port and corridor Vc are not able to handle such traffic density thus impeding the flow of goods and passengers. Because the route connecting the port passes through the town core, the conservation of the town's monuments and cultural heritage is a vital issue. The Port of Split is the only departure point for overall passenger and car traffic to all the larger islands. Hence, the vision of the Stari Grad Port on the Hvar Island as the main connection with all other islands is of great importance, not only in the Splitskodalmatinska County but in the broader area as well. In this paper the authors analyse the current state of the Split port system in terms of transport (Split's City Port and North Port) and the access to the City Port, with emphasis on design solutions. Special emphasis is placed on optimizing the port system while taking into consideration the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable development.