Highways in Albania

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
motorways
in Albania.

The Highways in Albania are the central state and main transport network in

emergency lane. They have a speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour (56 mph). They have white on blue road signs.[1]

The

Adriatic-Ionian motorway
.

The country is a member of the

Republic of North Macedonia and Bulgaria and ends at Varna at the Black Sea in the east.[2][3][4]

The country signed the

European routes are currently defined to end at, or near, the border of Albania such as the E86, E762, E851, E852, E853.[6]

History

The ancient route of the Via Egnatia, which connected ancient Durrës in the west with Constantinople in the east.

Since

Vlora and at Krraba Pass between Tirana and Elbasan
.

The total length of Albania's roads more than doubled in the first three decades after

. Private car ownership was not allowed and the only vehicles circulating were state-owned trucks, agricultural and official's vehicles, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles. The country's roads, however, were generally narrow, poorly marked, pocked with holes, and in the early 1990s often crowded with pedestrians and people riding mules, bicycles, and horse-drawn carts.

The largest road project in the history of Albania was the construction of the

A1 dual carriageway from 2007 to 2010, linking Albania with Kosovo. The segment involved the carving of a mountainous terrain, and the construction of a 5.6 km long tunnel and dozens of bridges.[7] In 2010, Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced plans to build several major highways.[8]

At present, major cities are linked with either single or dual carriageways or well maintained roads. There is a dual carriageway connecting the port city of Durrës with Tirana, Vlorë, and partially Kukës. In fact, there are three formal motorway segments in Albania: Thumanë-Milot-Rrëshen-Kalimash (A1), Levan-Vlorë (A2), and partly Tirane-Elbasan (A3). Most rural segments continue to remain in bad conditions as their reconstruction has only began in the late 2000s by the Albanian Development Fund.[9]

Roads

Classification

All roads in the country are property of Albanian Road Authority (Autoriteti Rrugor Shqiptar (ARRSH)), a directorate subordinated to the

A1 motorway which has become a toll highway since March 2018. A2 and A3 are planned to become toll highways in the near future. A new road system has been introduced in the early 2000s and is classified as follows:[10]

Type Name (Albanian) Name (English) Description
Autostradë Motorway The motorways are the highest level of roadway in the country, marked as A with a number on a green field.
Rrugë Shtetërore State Road The state roads are the main and most common level of roadway in the country, connecting major cities marked as SH with a number on a blue field.
Rrugë Rrethi District Road The district roads are the lower level of roadway in the country found between districts roadway marked as Rr with a number on a blue field.
Rrugë Komunale Municipal Road The municipal roads are the lowest level of roadway in the country, typically found in rural areas and marked as K with a number on a white field though it is not observed on the ground.

Motorways

The

communist regime and part of it is still under construction. In the Albanian language, they are called Autostrada or Autostradë and they are defined as roads with at least two lanes in each direction.[11][12] The markings have green backgrounds and are identified as consisting of letter A and the motorway number assigned by the legislation. The national speed limit on an autostradë, effective in case no other speed limits are present, is 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph).[1]

Motorway County Length Cities Description
Durrës, Tirana, Lezhë, Kukës 114 km (71 mi) Durrës, Laç, Lezhë, Rrëshen, Kukës The A1 (
Albanian Alps at Morinë in the northeast. It is currently part of the European route E851 and will form part of the Adriatic–Ionian motorway and Pan-European Corridor X.[14]
Fier, Vlorë 46.5 km (28.9 mi) Fier, Vlorë The A2 (
traffic lane motorway, spanning 46.5 km (28.9 mi). The motorway connects Fier in the north and Vlorë in the south. It will form part of the Adriatic–Ionian motorway
.
Tirana, Elbasan 31.1 km (19.3 mi) Tirana, Elbasan The A3 (
traffic lane motorway, spanning 31.1 km (19.3 mi). The motorway connects Tirana in the northwest and Elbasan in the southeast. It will form part of the Pan-European Corridor VIII
.

Expressways

The

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
.

Expressway County Length Cities Description
Durrës, Lezhë, Shkodër, Tirana 125 km (78 mi) Fushë-Krujë, Koplik, Laç, Lezhë, Shkodër, Tirana The SH 1 (
European routes E762 and E851 and will form part of the Adriatic–Ionian motorway
.
Durrës, Tirana 33 km (21 mi) Durrës, Tirana The SH 2 (Albanian: Rruga Shtetërore SH 2) is an expressway, spanning 33 km (21 mi). The expressway connects the capital Tirana across the counties of Durrës and Tirana to the second largest city of Durrës. It is currently part of the European route E762.
Elbasan, Korçë, Tirana 151 km (94 mi) Elbasan, Korçë, Librazhd, Pogradec, Tirana The SH 3 (
European routes E86 and E852
.
Durrës, Fier, Gjirokastër, Tirana 215 km (134 mi)
Rogozhina, Tepelenë
The SH 4 (Albanian: Rruga Shtetërore SH 4) is a expressway, spanning 215 km (134 mi). The expressway connects Durrës across the counties of Elbasan, Korçë, and Tirana to Greece. It is currently part of the European route E853 and will form part of the Adriatic–Ionian motorway.
Elbasan, Tirana 40.5 km (25.2 mi)
Rogozhina
The SH 7 (
Rogozhina across the counties of Elbasan and Tirana to Elbasan. It is currently part of the Pan-European Corridor VIII
.
Fier, Vlorë 148 km (92 mi)
Himara, Sarandë, Vlorë
The SH 8 (Albanian: Rruga Shtetërore SH 8) is a expressway, spanning 148 km (92 mi). The expressway connects Fier across the counties of Fier, Vlorë to Sarandë.
Elbasan 3.2 km (2.0 mi) The SH 9 (
Republic of Macedonia. It is currently part of the European route E852
.

Construction work

Typical construction work along SH1 near the border with Montenegro

Following the

Tiranë with the country's second largest city of Durrës. Since 2000, main roadways have drastically improved, though lacking standards in design and road safety.[15][16]
This involved the construction of new roadways, planting of trees and related greening projects, and lately the installing of contemporary signs. However, some state roads continue to deteriorate from lack of maintenance while others remain unfinished.

The priority of the

A3, the launching of toll highways starting with A1, and the construction of the Southern Axis of Albania Boshti i Jugut, passing across central and southern Albania. The completion of the Eastern Ring of Albania Unaza Lindore passing through Valbonë, Kukës, Krumë, Bulqizë and Librazhd
has also been a priority. When all corridors are completed, Albania will have an estimated 759 kilometers of highway linking it with its neighbors.

Winter maintenance

Winter 2021-22 marked the first time that main roadways in the Albanian Alps have been open for traffic after a snowfall. Therefore, the many guesthouses of the area now are accessible in the winter as well. This came as a result of using advanced snow clearing equipment by local authorities and contractors. In recent years, winter maintenance has greatly improved in all major roadways of the country including the A1 toll motorway.

Controversies

Violent protests at the A1 motorway toll plaza in 2018

Despite considerable investments, some dual carriageways are partially up to either motorway or state road standards as they are badly configured, contain unfinished

toll highway
, like the A1 toll motorway in Northern Albania which has brought it to acceptable motorway standards. Works on most highways are mostly completed, though they remained unfinished between 2011 and 2013 as per lack of funds.

In March 2018, violent clashes took place at the A1 motorway toll plaza in Kalimash, Northern Albania as locals demanded lower fees on a project that was unfinished, and lacked the availability of a secondary road.

Below is a list of main roadways undergoing construction works in the last decade. The Rama 2 Government plans to standardize road projects and continue those left unfinished from previous years:

As of Summer 2023

Tirana's Southern Outer Ring, 2018
A1 Nation's Highway linking Albania with Kosovo
Milot trumpet interchange is an important artery linking A1 with SH1 between Tirana, Shkodër, and Pristina
SH4 near Golem beach resort area south of Durres in central Albania
A3 linking Tirana with Elbasan
A2 near Narta Lagoon linking Fier Bypass with Vlora Bypass in Southern Albania

Planned

  • Muriqan–Milot–Balldren–Lezhe–Thumane: Autostradë, part of the Blue Corridor or
    Adriatic-Ionian motorway
  • Adriatic-Ionian motorway
  • SH34 Perlat–Kurbnesh–Fushe Lure near
    Lure National Park
  • Velipojë - Ulcinj (MNE)

Underway

Completed

  • Tiranë–Elbasan: Autostradë
  • Fier Bypass: Autostradë
  • Milot–Rrëshen–Kalimash–Kukës–Morinë: Autostradë, part of European Core Road Network's Route 7[18]
  • Tepelenë Bypass
  • Lin–Pogradec: Superstradë
  • Korçë–Qafë Plloçë: Superstradë (29 km)
  • Albania-Kosovo Highway
  • Tirana Southwestern and Southeastern Outer Ring: Autostradë
  • Rrogozhinë Bypass
  • Durrës Bypass (Shkozet)
  • Levan (Fier)–Vlorë: Autostradë, part of European Corridor 8. (24.20 km)
  • Shkodër–Han i Hotit MNE, part of the European Core Road Network's Route 2[19]
  • Lezhë–Milot: Resurfacing, part of the European Core Road Network's Route 2
  • Levan (Fier)–Tepelenë: Superstradë (70 km), part of the European Core Road Network's Route 2
  • DurrësRrogozhinë: Autostradë (35 km), part of European Corridor 8.
  • TepelenëGjirokastër: Superstradë, part of the European Core Road Network's Route 2
  • LushnjëFier: Autostradë, part of European Corridor 8 (21.70 km)
  • HimarëSarandë: Superstradë
  • SH20 Han i Hotit–Tamarë–Vermosh–Dogana MNE
  • SH21 Koplik–Dedaj–Bogë: Rrugë
  • SH22 Fierzë–Bajram Curri
  • SH22 Bajram Curri–Tropojë: Superstradë
    • K22 Valbonë–Dragobi–Bajram Curri
  • SH38 Fushë Krujë–Krujë: Superstradë
  • SH42 Dedaj–Razëm: Rrugë
  • SH71 just south of Elbasan – E86 at Libonik
  • SH72 Lushnjë–Berat
  • SH81 SarandëButrint: Superstradë
  • SarandëQafë Botë GR: Superstradë
  • Bajram CurriMargegaj: Superstradë
  • SH21 Bogë–Theth
  • SH27 Shkodër–Velipojë
  • Tirana Eastern Ring
  • Shkodër Bypass
  • Kardhiq - Delvinë
  • SH76, SH77 Vlorë River Highway (Vlorë–Kuç–Qeparo)
  • Vlorë Bypass
  • Palasë - Dhermi
  • Crossing of TEG
  • Orikum - Dukat (Links with Llogara Tunnel)
  • Most coastal roads
  • Other rural segments

Driving in Albania

Overtaking a horse-drawn cart on SH1 between Tirana and Shkodër

Despite the perceived negative connotation to driving in Albania, most vehicles manage not to get into accidents by simply exercising common sense and following their own way through the traffic. In cities, traffic is slow thus more secure than in rural areas. Albanian drivers are prone to using visual and acoustic aids regularly such as honking,

Daytime running lamps must be activated outside urban areas.[citation needed
]

It is strongly recommended to have an up-to-date GPS, as many new roads have been recently added to the Albanian road network. If the GPS does not work, a paper or internet-based map would be useful. Street names on the ground do not always coincide with maps as the current address system has been recently introduced. In the mountains, some roads can be narrow and windy with hairpins, unpaved, and missing guardrails. A portion of these roads are being gradually paved and brought to European standards by the Albanian Development Fund, FSHZH. Other roads still have few road signs or misleading ones. It's strongly advised to always keep a spare tire.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "KODI RRUGOR I REPUBLIKËS SË SHQIPËRISË" (PDF). pp.gov.al (in Albanian). Tirana. p. 76.
  2. ^ "FROM STABILIZATION TO CONSOLIDATION: ALBANIAN STATE CAPACITY AND ADAPTATION TO EUROPEAN UNION RULES" (PDF). eprints.maynoothuniversity.ie. p. 14.
  3. ^ "Status of the Pan-European Transport Corr·dors and Transpo t reas" (PDF). aei.pitt.edu. December 1998. p. 56.
  4. ^ "THE INTEGRATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA INTO THE PANEUROPEAN TRANSPORT CORRIDOR NETWORK" (PDF). core.ac.uk. p. 5.
  5. ^ United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. "Albania joins E-road agreement" (PDF). unece.org. p. 1.
  6. ^ "Star Rating Roads for Safety Results for Consultation with Stakeholders" (PDF). eurorap.org. pp. 31–39.
  7. ^ "Albanian Motorway Cuts Travel Time & Boosts Trade - Bechtel". Bechtel. 3 March 2016. Archived from the original on 5 December 2012. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  8. ^ "Business: Albania to focus on new roads (SETimes.com)". 2010-10-15. Retrieved 2010-10-16.
  9. ^ "Fondi Shqiptar i Zhvillimit". Fondi Shqiptar i Zhvillimit.
  10. ^ "SINJALET E INDIFIKIMIT TE RRUGES" (PDF). dpshtrr.gov.al (in Albanian). Tirana. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-23. Retrieved 2015-06-19.
  11. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. "PYETËSOR TEORIK PËR DREJTUESIT E MJETEVE RRUGORE"
    (PDF). aca.al. p. 2.
  12. ^ "KODI RRUGOR I REPUBLIKËS SË SHQIPËRISË" (PDF). pp.gov.al (in Albanian). Tirana. p. 1.
  13. ^ "MILOT – MORINE HIGHWAY PROJECT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION" (PDF). businesshungary.gov.hu. p. 8.
  14. ^ United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. "European Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries" (PDF). unece.org. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  15. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-20. Retrieved 2015-06-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  16. ^ "ALBANIA – NATIONAL TRANSPORT PLAN PHASE 2 STUDY PHASE" (PDF). siteresources.worldbank.org.
  17. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-27. Retrieved 2012-03-27.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  18. ^ "Working group transport" (PDF). ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2021-02-20.
  19. ^ "Statement" (PDF). ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2021-02-20.

External links