[1][2] The original Maslenica Bridge was designed by Vojislav Draganić of Inženjerski Projektni Zavod (IPZ) between 1955 and 1960.

By 1989, wear caused by heavy traffic and inadequate maintenance became significant, including cracks on the cross-girders and a pier.

Prior to its demolition it represented the last road link between Zagreb and Split left intact within the territory controlled by the government of the Republic of Croatia thereby being of immense importance.

[3] The bridge was executed atop barges and served as the only road link between Zagreb and Split (that did not require use of ferries or occupied territories) between 1993 and 1995.

The pontoon bridge was repeatedly attacked by artillery causing occasional damage or even sinking of individual barges which were subsequently replaced.

After 1995 and conclusion of the Croatian War of Independence the pontoon bridge lost some of its importance as overland routes became available.

[4] In 2003 Hrvatske ceste started tender procedure regarding reconstruction of the Maslenica Bridge in its original form.