A bridge expected to be completed in 18 months will shorten the distance between Velipoja and Ulcinj. Today, at the joint meeting between Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Montenegrin counterpart, Dritan Abazovic, the joint project was presented, where it was announced that it will cost 9 million euros and is expected to be completed within 18 months.

“With the new bridge project, we will have a reduced distance of 73 times between the 2 countries. The bridge will be 310 m with 3 arches, it is of category C1 will be used for cars, pedestrians and bicycles and will have 2 lanes and parts of resorts, the bridge has a height that allows crossing under it in case the Buna River will be open to vessels, we are in the preparation phase. The project will be ready within 2 months and then the budgeting and procurement process will take 6 months, until June 2023, and can be completed within 18 months, it will cost 9 million euros “, said the head of the Albanian Development Fund , Dritan Agolli.
Meanwhile Rama said that the team has worked on different alternatives.” We will bring the project, people will make a budget assessment, and it is a good thing that the other side will oppose you, the Albanian Development Fund has the money, they can transfer money without limiting budget rules, let’s make it without wasting time. We are building the tourist road Shengjin-Velipoja that will make the road from Ulcinj to Shengjin very short, but also a lot of communication that will be improved through this bridge. I am very grateful that this is your vision, encouragement. So, we do not have to argue where the idea was, this is the spirit of the Open Balkans, I expect to visit you in Montenegro within July and in August to bring you the project”Rama added.

In his speech, Abazovic said this bridge will have many positive effects on the relationship between the two countries. Abazovic said the project should not be dragged out, so that implementation of the project kicks off in September.

/Klara Ruci/