Currently, work is progressing simultaneously on several fronts to ensure steady progress and meet the project’s objectives within the set deadlines. The completion of this segment is expected to significantly ease vehicle traffic by reducing both distance and travel time between Albania and North Macedonia.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Gentian Gjyli, closely inspected the works on Lot 5, which includes the Papër–Grykshi Bridge section.

In addition to the construction of the main roadway, the project also entails the building of a 330-meter-long bridge, along with several other supporting structures.

“The physical progress on this construction site is very good, with over 60% of the works completed. So far, we have not encountered any issues. The entire route has been opened, while more than 80% of the filling works have been completed. Five hydraulic structures for water flow and two underpasses to improve access to agricultural land have been built,” stated the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Gentian Gjyli.

As part of Corridor VIII, this road axis will be a Category A motorway with a speed limit of 130 km/h.

Minister Balluku emphasized that this is one of the best-performing construction sites along Corridor VIII, particularly the segment starting from the Bradashesh roundabout, where the issue of traffic congestion at the exit of the Tirana–Elbasan highway is also being addressed.

“We have begun work on the first 18-kilometer phase of the project,” Balluku stated. “This section is divided into several stages, and we are currently in the fifth. The full 18-kilometer stretch includes six bridges, two of which are 330 meters long.” She added that riverbank protection measures are being implemented along the entire route.

Balluku highlighted that construction progress on this site has reached 60% of the total works, while overall project completion currently stands at about 49%.

“We have a deadline to meet — June 2026 — by which we aim to fully complete the first 18 kilometers of this highly important segment in accordance with the contractual terms. This will transform the existing secondary road into a Category A motorway with a speed limit of 130 km/h,” said Balluku.

She noted that this section of the motorway will have two traffic lanes in each direction, each 3.75 meters wide, along with an emergency lane on both sides, each 3 meters wide.

Balluku highlighted that work is in full swing to ensure access and mobility in inhabited and agricultural areas along both sides of the motorway. She also noted that a 3-kilometer Elbasan bypass, part of Corridor VIII, is a key component of the project.

Balluku emphasized the importance of addressing traffic congestion, particularly due to increased weekend flows from locals and tourists, with the goal of completing the first 3 kilometers of the Elbasan bypass by July 1, 2026, before moving forward with the larger, externally funded project.

The 40-kilometer Elbasan–Rrogozhinë segment, a strategic part of Corridor VIII, includes specific measures to protect the Shkumbin River. The project is expected to have a direct positive impact on the region’s economic development by enhancing infrastructure, improving business access, and increasing road safety.
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