The Vlora River road is gradually taking its final shape along its entire stretch. The 100 km-long road is a strategic investment project that will provide a new access to the Ionian coast and will boost economic and social development in the whole southern coastal region of Albania.
Prime Minister Edi Rama today inspected the ongoing work to construct one of the segments of this strategic investment, scheduled to complete ahead of the upcoming tourist season. Work is underway to build one of the bridges on this segment. “The new bridge, which will replace the old one, is being built to meet highest standards. The new bridge is under construction and the bridge beams are currently being installed. The new bridge will become operational and will open to traffic very soon as it will connect the asphalted segments of the road. The 150-m long bridge is set to become accessible by end of December,” Deputy Mayor of Vlora Afrim Qendro said, adding that the new road will significantly ease access to the tourist villages in Vlora and once complete it will provide the Laberi area access to the coast. “The entire segment descends Qeparo, while the bridge in Lasko, as the area is called, will provide connection with the village of Kuç, which is part of this project and the road then extends to Kurvelesh and Nivice. It is a project where intense construction work continues and the project will provide Laberi area access to the sea,” he said.
The project will have immediate impact also on the city’s urban spaces that will be relieved of the congested traffic and will significantly shorten the distance. “The motorists coming from Fier, Kosovo will enjoy a safe and shorter drive time to Saranda and the project will help to reduce the traffic flow in Vlora. Visitors seeking to reach Himare, Borsh, Qeparo and Dhermi will drive along this new road,” Qendro added.
For Vlora Mayor Dritan Leli, “building a new road doesn’t merely mean building one for vehicles, but it should also help the area and the country to further develop. Such projects will also convince many local residents currently living abroad to return back home and many are already doing so.”
Prime Minister Rama described travelling along this road as a spectacular journey through valleys and wonderful landscapes. “The two road segments, the one providing Tepelena access to the sea and the segment connecting Laberi area, will allow people to drive along entire stretch from Vlora to the coast and to Himara on the other side through a panoramic landscape, through the valley, plain and hills.”
“Promotion of agritourism businesses and faster connection and access to the market will significantly benefit to the local community. The new road will boost agritourism in entire area and it will turn the area into an important tourist destination and will help locally grown produce increase, because the road will provide local farmers faster access to bigger markets in urban areas, as well it will help to meet the needs of the agritourism businesses for various products,” PM Rama said.
The government head also assured local community that the development projects to their benefit will successfully complete, despite the circumstances that may cause delays. “If there is community that would never doubt whether I would deliver my promises this is the community residing in this area.“
