The new bridge of Kukës, a transformative work that unites the banks of the Drin to the National Road

The new bridge of Kukës, which connects the banks of the Drin to the National Road, and which has been under construction for three years, is one of the great urban transformation works, which provides a solution to an old node, connecting the two sides of the delta with the national road.

Prime Minister Edi Rama was in Kukës inspecting the progress of the work so far. He got acquainted with the technical details of the project with high engineering complexity. The bridge has a total length of 310 meters, with two concrete foundations on the banks of the lake, while its entire length is of metal construction, with a large arch, without intermediate support.

"We are now in the final stage. It is nothing to brag about, but it is rare that something like this has been done in Europe. This kind of operation, where part of the bridge is built on land, and another part in the water is very difficult, and even more so when it comes to a lake that moves in its relief,"explained the construction manager, adding that the complexity of the work in some cases increased the technical difficulties.

"The bridge actually started almost three years ago. The production was done quickly, but there were a number of structural problems that needed to be solved. If one looks at all the auxiliary structures which move the bridge, all those elements must be removed to lower it again. Almost 1500 - 1600 tons just for the move to be completed. The operation is very difficult and the complex tools needed for its completion have been rented from other companies."- he detailed.

The Great Bridge of Kukës over the river Drin will avoid traffic, especially in the summer season, and accidents in the time of frost, giving a spectacular dimension to the trip over the lake.