Another major infrastructure project that connects the banks of the Drin River on the National Road is now ready, the Great Bridge of Kukës. Designed by renowned Italian architect Giorgio Rizzo, the New Bridge addresses an old connecting junction between the two sides of the lake with the national road, replacing the existing old bridge and significantly easing traffic in the area. Prime Minister Edi Rama, along with Deputy Minister Belinda Balluku, attended the inauguration of the new bridge and the opening of traffic in this zone.
“We are at a very important moment regarding infrastructure, especially that of the National Road. Today, we are pleased to announce that traffic will be opened in this area. The bridge is also a work of art, designed by one of the most renowned Italian architects, Giorgio Rizzo,” stated Minister Balluku. She emphasized that during the years without this infrastructure, all traffic relied on the old bridge built 45 years ago.
“It’s important to note that during these years, in the absence of the new bridge, all traffic passed over a bridge constructed in 1978, prior to the construction of the Fierza Dam, and this section was completely neglected. Therefore, the work carried out from 2020 to the present has been a monumental effort for this bridge and for the overall integration of the National Road,” she added.
The bridge also features a unique architecture in terms of engineering and aesthetics for all travelers.
“The bridge is a special work, not only as an artistic piece but also in terms of its structure and methodology. The total cost of the bridge is approximately 40 million euros, including the two access roads for entry and exit. The bridge has extraordinary features because it was entirely constructed off-site and then transported into place. It is very special, quite remarkable, and one of the rare projects, in Europe, at least based on our knowledge. The engineer in charge of the project explained that ‘’What makes it unique is the level of the lake, which varies by about 40 meters”.
Prime Minister Rama stated: “It is very important that the bridge is now open and accessible to everyone, including those who had negative things to say about it. There were reports about how the piers of the bridge broke off—there are no piers; it has a structure that spans one of the largest clearances of any bridge in Europe. This achievement is thanks to the talent and undeniable experience of the Italian designer, as well as the efforts of the construction company. Furthermore, once the bridge was completed, we needed to enhance access for two or three other communities in the area to facilitate transportation. So today marks a beautiful, sunny day for the bridge’s inauguration.
What must be understood—though those unwilling to see it may not—is that, in terms of routing, the road had been opened despite the severe bottlenecks at the entrance to Kukës and in the areas where other bridges were constructed. However, regarding volumes, guarantees, and standards, only half of the necessary work had been accomplished.”
The new Kukës Bridge features two concrete foundations on the banks of the lake, and its entire length is a metal structure with a large arch and no intermediate supports.