First steps to a new Southern Motorway - Tirana to Elbasan

Elina Demai, ALBANIAN TIMES

A new stretch of highway, running from the capital of Albania, Tirana, to Elbasan, further south, has been presented and is expected to be completed within two years. The first phase of this project will see a new highway stretching approximately 31km, consisting of 4 lanes, with two tunnels extending 2.3 and 2.1 miles being constructed between these two cities, with further stages planned to extend the motorway to Berat and Tepelene.

Elbasan is located on the Shkumbin River in the district of Elbasan. It is one of the largest cities in Albania with a population of around 100,000.

While the Prime Minister, Sali Berisha has acknowledged this project presents a greater cost, the benefits are clear and will significantly contribue to the development of Elbasan. This highway will decrease the journey between these cities by at least 40 minutes.

The tender procedure for the construction of Tirana-Elbasan motorway will be launched in June, deputy minister of public works Ernest Ndoka said in an interview for Albanian Times.

Earlier today, the official project of the future Tirana-Elbasan motorway was presented to the public. This is the first segment of the much talked about Southern Axis project.


Technical details from the Ministry of Transportation:

Length: 31.17km
Lanes: 4
Tunnels: 2 (2.3km and 2.1km)

Included in the project are seven overpasses, four underpasses and three intersections. Speed limit is 110/120 km/hr.

It's the first segment of the Southern Axis project, which aims to connect the capital Tirana with the southern district of Tepelena.

Southern Axis project will include several tunnels according to the prime minister. One of those segments is Berat-Tepelena, 40km.

Source:albaniantimes.com/