Albania - Kosovo; Thirra, second tunnel opened

24. October 2010.
Source: Alsat

The opening of the northern tunnel in the Durres-Kukes motorway signs the official end of the biggest project in the Albanian infrastructure. Starting from Friday, October 22, vehicles can easily move in this motorway starting from Tirana or Durres until the border checkpoint of Morina.
The opening of the northern tunnel in the Durres-Kukes motorway signs the official end of the biggest project in the Albanian infrastructure. Starting from Friday, October 22, vehicles can easily move in this motorway starting from Tirana or Durres until the border checkpoint of Morina.

Now Bechtel-ENKA Construction Company is continuing the project in the territory of Kosovo. “The construction of this road was finished in the best possible way, within the defined deadline, with the right quality and it will help in avoiding traffic between Albania and Kosovo or between different parts of Albania,” said Albanian Minister of Transport Sokol Olldashi. “The value of this project is bigger than its commercial effect; it increases the faith of Albania in its capacities, and it increases the contribution that Albania and Kosovo are giving to the region through this motorway,” said Albanian Interior Minister Lulzim Basha.

“The project would have never started in Kosovo if it had not ended in the Albanian part. We are starting work where the Albanian government left it, by concluding in this way a dream project of both Kosovo and Albania,” said Kosovo Minister of Transport Fatmir Limaj. The most debated project in Albania, which has also been defined as a project that economically joins Albania and Kosovo, is now more than functional. This project has been perceived in different ways by different people. “Normally I should say I am really happy, but in fact, I am sad because this is the end of a wonderful project,” said Olldashi.

“Sokol should not feel sad because he can always see the continuance of his work in the territory of Kosovo. You are welcomed to inspect and monitor the construction work for the nation’s road,” said Limaj. “Sokol, you will soon feel happy again with the beginning of the construction work for Elbasan’s tunnel and for Tirana-Elbasan road,” said Basha. The 60 kilometers of this road from Rreshen until the end of the Kalimash’s tunnel, which is 6 kilometers long, are the most difficult part of the road. This road segment has been constructed by Bechtel