Expansion of Tirana – Durrës highway to cost €298.8 million
The expansion of the highway linking the capital city, Tirana, to Durrës, which will add an additional lane in each direction, is set to cost the Albanian state budget €298.8 million. The 31-kilometer stretch of road is expected to see construction begin this fall.
Why is this significant
Albania is undertaking a host of major infrastructure projects that aim to improve connectivity within the country and the region and EU.
Context
Upon completion, the Tirana-Durrës highway will become a toll road. Those opting not to pay the toll can use the alternative route via Tirana-Ndroq-Plepa, which is also planned to be reconstructed with an estimated cost of €87 million.
Another key infrastructure project on the Government’s priority list is the Elbasan Bypass, projected to cost €240 million. Other planned investments include part of the pan-European Corridor VIII, specifically the Elbasan-Lekaj segment, with an estimated cost of €360 million, and the Saranda Bypass, valued at €34 million.
According to the Government’s released documents, there are a total of 51 priority major infrastructure projects that are considered advanced, having completed feasibility studies or other project evaluations, with a total value exceeding €4.5 billion. Additionally, there are 53 projects in the feasibility study phase and 33 others at the conceptual stage.
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