TIRANA, Sept 5 /ATA/ – The newly-constructed Qukës–Qafë Plloçë road, one of its largest infrastructure projects in Albania’s southeast, opened to traffic on Friday, providing a faster link between Tirana and the south-eastern region of Korça.
The 43.4-km road is expected to boost economic and tourism development in the country’s eastern regions by cutting travel time along the national Tirana–Korçë axis by about 45 minutes, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, said.
Balluku posted images of the completed road on social media, saying: “Almost everything is ready – Qukës–Qafë Plloçë.”
Construction involved challenging engineering work, including more than 20 bridges, two tunnels measuring 850 and 350 meters, an emergency tunnel, and extensive retaining walls. The project was divided into three sections, with the final 9.3-km lot now completed.
Officials say the new highway will significantly improve access for local communities while offering scenic views that could attract more visitors to the region.
The project is designed to improve travel conditions, reduce journey times and facilitate traffic between the Tirana–Elbasan corridor and southeastern regions, including Korçë and the Kapshticë border crossing.
This investment concludes an important chapter in the country’s road infrastructure and paves the way for more projects aimed at improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth.
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