Road infrastructure projects account for 37% of Albania’s capital expenditure
The Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy’s budget report for the first four months of 2024 highlights a significant focus on road infrastructure projects, which account for 37% of its capital expenditures. This strategic focus on road projects, both through domestic and foreign financing, reflects the need to improve transportation infrastructure, which is fundamental for the economic development of Albania and integration with regional markets.
Why does it matter
For Albania, which aims to boost tourism and trade, these investments are vital in connecting remote areas with major economic hubs and neighboring countries. As these projects progress, they promise to bring about substantial improvements in connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities across the country, as well as help attract foreign investments.
Public investments in road infrastructure for 2024 are planned at 5.3% of GDP, totaling 128.5 billion lekë, including a 7 billion lekë reconstruction fund.
The Ministry’s budget report lists several priority projects receiving substantial investments. Among the internally funded projects are the concessions for the Arber Road and the Orikum-Dukat road, as well as the construction of the Llogara tunnel. These projects are crucial for improving connectivity in some of the country’s most scenic and economically important regions.
Foreign-funded projects also play a significant role. These include the improvement and rehabilitation of bridges, the Qukës-Qafë Plloçë road, and the construction of the Tirana bypass. These projects aim to enhance the existing road network and address critical infrastructure gaps.
Specifically, several major type A road projects, which feature four lanes, are underway. These include the entire sections of Tirana’s Great Ring Road and the expansion of the Tirana-Durrës highway in phases I and II. These projects are designed to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow in some of the most densely populated areas of the country.
Additionally, type B roads, primarily two-lane roads, are also receiving attention. The Kardhiq-Delvinë road, particularly lot 8, involves slope stabilization and revitalization, while the expansion of the Elbasan-Qafë-Thanë road spans eight different lots. Investments also extend to B2 category roads, with two lanes, such as the Korçë-Ersekë road, the Palasë-Dhërmi road, and roads connecting to the airports in Kukës and Vlorë.
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