Llogora Tunnel opens: a vital link for Albania’s southern litoral
Prime Minister Edi Rama officially inaugurated the long-awaited Llogora Tunnel, a major infrastructure project that has been under discussion for many years in Albania.
The newly opened tunnel will significantly enhance connectivity in one of Albania’s most important tourist hotspots, notorious for its traffic congestion during peak tourist seasons. Spanning 6 kilometers, the tunnel will reduce travel time from Vlora to the Albanian Riviera from hours to mere minutes.
The old road, winding through the picturesque Llogora Pass, known as one of Albania’s most scenic areas, will now primarily serve tourists who wish to explore the natural park at a leisurely pace, away from the rush to reach the Riviera.
Albania has seen rapid growth in tourist numbers in recent years, with the Riviera’s stunning beaches and turquoise waters becoming major attractions. In response, the government has prioritized investments to improve connectivity and accessibility to the country’s tourist destinations. Projects like the Llogora Tunnel, the Blue Corridor, and the ongoing construction of Vlora Airport (scheduled for completion in spring 2025) exemplify these efforts.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Rama reflected on the history of promises surrounding the tunnel: “Everyone has promised to build this tunnel. Everyone has promised to build Vlora Airport. By the end of the year, we will complete that too, and then testing will begin. We will also finish the Blue Corridor, connecting Montenegro’s border to the highway in Fier and to the Llogora Tunnel.”
Initially toll-free for the current year, passage through the tunnel will eventually incur a fee, estimated to be around 5 euros.
The opening of the Llogara Tunnel marks a significant milestone in Albania’s infrastructure development, promising improved transportation links and economic opportunities for the region and beyond.
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