The geostrategic position of Croatia and her political involvement and infrastructure in the European Union and European traffic flows are opportunities for additional economic development of its regions. More than two thirds of the Croatian foreign trade is exercised with its neighbors and the European Union so it is clear that the interaction between the traffic and transport infrastructure and because of its efficiency with reduced transport costs is a significant contribution to the competitiveness of Croatian products and services. Road location and developed traffic infrastructure are defined in the framework of economic development strategies as an important element in attracting foreign investors to our area. Therefore it is even more important that the transport infrastructure is planned and designed as a function of economic and overall development of the region. The analyzed traffic strategy of the Karlovac County and neighboring regions indicate the lack of presence of economic aspects in designing transport strategy. However, from the traffic point of view, traffic compatibility and orientation of neighboring regions on our transport infrastructure is visible, and it is considered to be a development advantage. Another characteristic of the analyzed strategies is exemplified by the lack of innovation, i.e., the absence of a continuous strategic process as an important factor to achieve the strategic goals, and consequently competitive advantages as well. The impact of the construction of transport infrastructure analysis indicates a positive impact on major economic sectors, especially construction. The growth of all economic indicators is visible, particularly at a time of intense construction, and after completion. In accordance with the analyzed theories the effects on the development of local communities as a result of the implementation strategy for transport, are evident even its shortcomings. Based on theoretical research conducted on influential economic factors, the possibility of improving the process of strategic transport planning is evident by means of implementing strategic management, with additional emphasis on economic aspects in the preparation and implementation of transport strategy. The model also shows a continuous strategic process and the relationship between regional development strategies, economic strategies, regional plans in the preparation and transport strategy implementation. The paper emphasizes the possibility of improving the economic development through the development of transport infrastructure, by developing certain economic sectors, economic infrastructure-primarily industrial zones, tourism resources, business and residential areas and shopping centers and developing the strategic potential of logistics industry. The analysis that confirms the county road facilities as the optimal choice of logistics distribution center for the wider region is presented. Proven interdependence of high quality implemented strategic transport and economic development processes described in terms of inadequate strategic transport strategies with the development plans of regional and economic potential, and proposed model of transport strategy based on the principles of strategic management, which includes especially the economic potential is a scientific contribution presented in this paper whose applications reflect the possibilities of defining strategic guidelines for the development of transport strategies in terms of overall consideration of economic and other resources. Regional importance is reflected in the possibility of its application in designing and planning the development strategy of the Karlovac county and the guidelines for better use of infrastructure and its potential.