Corridor V III, Albania changes project, adds 3km tunnel after negotiations with northern Macedonia

Details gave Deputy Prime Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Minister Belinda Balluk at the same time during an inspection on the ground as Prime Minister Edi Rama accompanied.

According to Balluk construction on the side of northern Macedonia for the road that is part of the important corridor has long begun, and Albania has adapted by finding a closer exit point on Albanian territory.

But this solution seems to have added a new work - a three - mile [3 km] tunnel. According to Balluk, this solution was reached after negotiations between the two countries' road authorities, as well as the responsible infrastructure ministries.

This is an important part of the VIIIth corridor, starting from the village of Labinot Fusha, and continuing for 44 kilometers on a road with all the parameters of the modern highway in terms of safety and street category and continuing to the vicinity of Qafe Thana.

As you are aware, after an intensive conversation with the North Macedonian government, we have decided to change the exit point since construction of the V Corridor has long begun on the North Macedonian side. III, therefore, by working with the two road authorities and the ministries, we have achieved the outcome that would be best to have a closer exit point on Albanian territory that will be resolved through a three-mile tunnel.

It's about the Bushtrica bridge, and while the Qafe Thanes dot will continue active and serve those citizens who want to be served there” Balluk said.

According to the minister, launching work on other tears, specifically 3 and 4 are expected within this year, while in 2024 tears will be opened 5 and 6. The year 2025 will mark the opening of tears 7 and 8 depending on the performance of funding.

Albanian Road Authority head Evis Berberi underlined that the first tear the works are advancing is 5km and is completely new. The road will be 22m wide and four lanes.

The second 4.5km stretch in the vicinity of Librazd has also started as the government has decided that, on the basis of developments, it will already adopt the Elbasan Bypass project, where the new project will be delivered in November. Where 20 kilometers long Bypas completely avoids the city.

Minister Balluk explained that Elbsan's Bypassy has been an agreement with foreign financing, but already not to prolong the procedures will be required financing by a foreign institution that has more accelerated procedures.

According to the minister, in 2024 the design and expansion of the road from Elbasan to Lekaj on the way to Rrogozhina to create real access to Corridor V III as the connection will be doubled even through Kashar-Lekaj. /Monitor. al