The modernization of existing infrastructure continues along another key axis — the Tirana–Durrës expressway — which is being upgraded into a Category A highway, adding additional lanes to significantly ease traffic flow.
Prime Minister Rama, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, carried out inspections today at the construction site of this roadway.
“We are currently in the first phase of the reconstruction, rehabilitation, and expansion of the Tirana–Durrës highway, which spans around 33 kilometers. The first phase, as well as the two subsequent ones, covers about 10 kilometers in total. Meanwhile, the roadbed is being widened to 32.5 meters, creating three traffic lanes in each direction, along with an emergency lane. We are moving from an expressway to a Category A highway, in line with all the other highways we are building. The maximum speed limit will be 130 km/h, and all safety standards have been met. Just as in the previous site, in this one as well, Prime Minister, we have completed the relocation of the OSSH (electricity distribution) and water-sewerage utility lines. We’ve reached 30% progress, even though the contract deadline is set for September 2026. There are no traffic disruptions, as the lanes on both sides have not been affected, and we believe the project will be completed ahead of schedule. It might be ambitious to say before December, as that would mean nearly 10 months ahead of deadline, but that is our goal,” detailed Deputy Prime Minister Balluku.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rama suggested that the entrance to the capital should stand out architecturally, incorporating more artistic elements.
“We also need to create a masterplan for this area here, because it faces significant issues due to internal traffic caused by all these companies. A lot of time is wasted in this area. In fact, the companies are willing to work with us on the masterplan, and we’re ready to support them and do something that improves traffic flow, since we’re talking about thousands and thousands of employees working in those companies,” stated the Prime Minister.
Addressing this issue, Deputy Prime Minister Balluku explained:
“We’ve already begun planning in the form of a masterplan, and from there we’ll move on to a detailed project for the two new entrances to Tirana, which will specifically resolve the problem you mentioned by reserving the Kamza entrance solely for local area traffic. In other words, we are studying a new entrance that will bring in the northern highways and connect them in Lot 1, right after the Shqiponja roundabout, where the major junction is located. At the same time, we are also designing the entrance — as we discussed during our last meeting — via the Arbri Road,” she said.
Regarding the work on the National Traffic Monitoring Center, Deputy Prime Minister Balluku informed that the general trial phase has already begun.
“We’ve started the general trial. The cameras are being connected to the system one by one. We ran a test just a few days ago,” she said, emphasizing that “the first 200 kilometers are particularly important because they will help us understand how the system will operate. The team working there is very complex, as you know. There are several operational units involved — beyond the Albanian Road Authority and the traffic police, we also have emergency services integrated into the system. We’re connected to the national emergency service, and there are many units that must collaborate. We’re currently in the recruitment phase, bringing in young men and women who have a genuine interest in innovation and IT, people who already possess certain technical skills. We believe this will be one of the most innovative projects, ensuring not only road safety but also contributing to national security,” she said.
