The rapid increase of vehicle numbers in recent years and the growing integration of Albania into regional markets have made the modernization and expansion of the road network imperative.

Rehabilitation of the east-west axis from the Adriatic port of Durres to the Macedonian border, and completion of the north-south axis stretching from the border with Montenegro to the border with Greece are projects of national and international importance, the Ministry release said.

The project will also support improvements in road-sector financing and institutional strengthening which should lead to more transparent and efficient management of the sector. It aims to improve transport planning, increase commercialization (by implementing a national transport plan and road-sector restructuring programme), and improve the funding of road maintenance and cost recovery from road users.

The project has been prepared in close cooperation with the EU, which has provided extensive preparation assistance through the CARDS programme, and the EIB. Additional technical assistance is also being provided by the EU to support institutional strengthening and supervision of works. Canada will provide funds to monitor the project’s implementation.

(Albanian Ministry of Finances & EBRD Press Releases – June 2, 2005)