In Albania, work has begun on a significant project supported by the World Bank, aimed at constructing and rehabilitating sustainable bridges across the country. The initiative is backed by a $100 million loan and is expected to span seven years, focusing on improving the safety and functionality of bridges nationwide.
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| At the Viroi Natural Park in Gjirokastër |
Viroi Bridge: A Key Starting Point
The first project under this initiative is the construction of a new bridge in the Sustainable Bridges Project in Albania: An Investment in Safety and Development. The new bridge will run parallel to an existing structure that often floods during winter, causing disruptions on this critical road segment.
“This project is vital as it introduces a modern bridge to current standards while the existing bridge will be repurposed as a scenic pedestrian walkway around the lake,” said Aristotel Noni, an engineer with the Regional Road Authority.
Noni further emphasized the project’s objectives:
1. Geometric Improvements: The current narrow and poorly aligned road will be replaced with a modern roadway meeting contemporary standards.
2. Flood Mitigation: The new bridge will address chronic flooding issues that have frequently led to the closure of this national road segment during heavy rains.
3. Pedestrian Accessibility: The old bridge, once the new one is complete, will serve as a pedestrian pathway, providing visitors an easier way to explore the lake’s surroundings.
Broad Impacts Nationwide
The World Bank’s program targets interventions in 30 priority bridges requiring immediate attention, benefiting an estimated 800,000 residents directly. Assessments reveal that many of these structures require substantial rehabilitation or complete reconstruction.
Additional interventions are planned in Gjirokastër, including the Dragot Bridge, which, like others in the area, has suffered from wear and tear over the years. "There are challenges with several metal bridges in the region, such as the Dragot and Lekli bridges. We’ve repeatedly requested either rehabilitation or route diversions via the new Tepelenë-Dragot axis," Noni noted.
A Response to Post-Earthquake Needs
The Albanian government initiated the sustainable bridges program following the 2019 earthquake, which highlighted vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Of 80 prioritized bridges, many were found to handle daily traffic ranging from 100 to 2,500 vehicles while showing severe structural weaknesses. These vulnerabilities are further exacerbated by natural disasters and climate change.
The Threat to Cultural Heritage Bridges
While the focus is currently on major road bridges, cultural heritage experts warn of risks to historic bridges, which serve both local communities and cultural tourism. Geri Emiri, head of the "Amfora" Center, has advocated for the preservation of these structures.
“Across Albania, cultural heritage bridges face varying degrees of damage, especially during winter. While restoration projects are often planned, the necessary interventions are rarely implemented,” Emiri explained.
He added that the deterioration of these cultural monuments disrupts local connectivity, pushing residents to abandon rural areas, leading to further neglect of both communities and historical heritage.
A Shared Responsibility
The maintenance of Albania’s bridges involves multiple stakeholders, including the National Institute for Cultural Heritage, the Road Authority, and local governments. However, financial constraints often hinder municipalities from addressing the needs of rural bridges.
The Sustainable Bridges Project is a step forward in improving infrastructure resilience and ensuring safe and efficient connectivity. However, its success will depend on continued collaboration and commitment to preserving both modern and historic bridges for future generations.