Albania to build new road linking Albania, Macedonia

TIRANA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Albanian government signed Monday an agreement with a local company to build Arber Road, a highway which will link Albanian capital Tirana to the northeastern region of Dibra (northeast of Albania) and Macedonia.

This is a 298-million-U.S.-dollar project and it is seen as a major public works infrastructure project.

Speaking to reporters following the signing ceremony, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Damian Gjiknuri said the contract was concluded after a long competition and intensive negotiating procedure.

"It is a major public infrastructure project and good news for Albanian citizens and Dibra inhabitants in particular who have long waited for construction of this road," minister Gjiknuri said.

The works on this road are slated to begin this year while it is expected to be ready in 46 months.

This is a 13-year concession contract on improvement, construction, operation and maintenance of the two-lane highway, Arber Road. Enditem