Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), Ami Kozeli, inspected construction works on the Tirana Bypass, where more than 30% of the physical works have been completed so far.

Karakaçi described the project as a strategic infrastructure hub, as it will connect the Milot–Thumanë–Kashar motorway with the Kashar–Lekaj motorway, part of the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor. It will also link the Durrës–Tirana motorway with the Tirana–Elbasan motorway, which is part of Corridor VIII, allowing traffic to bypass the city of Tirana.

“This is one of the most strategic construction sites we currently have because it connects the Adriatic-Ionian Corridor, specifically the Thumanë–Kashar section and its continuation toward Kashar–Lekaj, while also linking the Durrës–Tirana motorway with the Elbasan motorway, enabling vehicles to avoid entering the city of Tirana,” Karakaçi said.

The minister also noted that the project will address concerns raised by local communities, as it includes the construction of local access roads that will provide residents and businesses on both sides of the bypass with easier connectivity.

Meanwhile, ARRSH Director Ami Kozeli said construction is progressing well, with the aim of completing the project ahead of the contractual deadline.

“Progress has been very positive. The contract includes several engineering structures, such as culverts, drainage channels, retaining walls made of concrete and gabion facades, as well as a 53-metre-long bridge with three spans,” Kozeli said.

Construction is progressing simultaneously on both phases of the project, with work underway on the road platform and engineering structures. The Tirana Bypass is another major infrastructure project currently under construction, with work already launched on its first two phases.

The project has a total length of 21 kilometres and involves the construction of a Category A primary interurban road.