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| Murrizi Tunnel, as a critical point in the completion of the Arbri Road |
The Murrizi Tunnel officially opened for vehicle traffic today, following a challenging construction process due to the complex geology of the area. Highly anticipated by the residents of Dibra and beyond, the Murrizi Tunnel is considered the backbone of the Arber Road. It consists of two tunnels: the main tunnel, measuring 3,789 meters in length, and an emergency tunnel of 3,781 meters, equipped with 11 entry and exit points.
Inauguration Ceremony with Government Officials
Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, as well as Minister of Justice Ulsi Manja, attended the inauguration ceremony of the tunnel. The officials initially walked through part of the tunnel before continuing the route by bus, assessing the completed work and safety measures in place to ensure full operational security.
Minister Balluku confirmed that all necessary tests had been conducted and that the tunnel was fully completed according to all required standards. She described the project as a "pride of Albanian infrastructure" and announced that the Maqellara-Peshkopi road would also be completed by April.
"The 3.8 km long Murrizi Tunnel is fully completed in all its components, including construction and electromechanical elements. Everything is fully functional. Testing was carried out late into the night, and the road traffic police have already taken over monitoring responsibilities," Balluku stated.
She also emphasized the importance of the emergency tunnel, which meets all road code requirements for tunnels exceeding 500 meters in length. With 11 exits, the emergency tunnel ensures full compliance with safety standards. Minister Balluku reassured that there would be no further traffic interruptions in this section, as meticulous efforts were made to finalize every detail given the complex geology of the region.
A Tunnel Reinforced with Iron for Stability
Minister Balluku described the Murrizi Tunnel as an "engineering masterpiece," highlighting that the entire structure is reinforced with iron for stability. "This is not just a simple excavation like the Llogara Tunnel but a fully iron-clad tunnel that acts like an iron ring," she explained.
She also noted that other segments of the Arber Road have been completed, including the stabilization of the Tujan Slope, which is now entirely finished. "During your journey today, you may have noticed the completed Tujan Slope fortifications. Last year, we added a new section to the Arber Road: the Maqellara-Peshkopi segment. After my inspection yesterday, I can confirm that we will be able to deliver it in April."
Prime Minister Rama praised the extraordinary work and encouraged further infrastructure solutions to ensure maximum functionality and accessibility of the road.
Future Road Infrastructure Improvements
Deputy Prime Minister Balluku announced ongoing studies to improve road connections, particularly regarding Tirana’s new Grand Ring Road. "We are reassessing all entry points to Tirana. The current Kamza entrance no longer meets the standards for a capital city entry point because it connects only to the Tirana-Durres highway, not the Ring Road as it should. We are working on a new project to connect Kamza directly to the first segment of the Grand Ring Road," she stated.
Additionally, plans are underway to improve the Tufina section, ensuring a direct connection to the Ring Road, allowing seamless travel from the Arber Road to Tirana and other national highways, such as the one leading to Elbasan.
Economic and Touristic Impact
The Murrizi Tunnel significantly enhances the accessibility of the entire Arber Road, one of Albania’s most important national routes. This development is expected to boost economic growth in the region and stimulate the tourism sector.
The Arber Road, one of the most crucial arteries of Albania’s road infrastructure, greatly facilitates travel between Tirana and Dibra. This major project includes the construction of 54 kilometers of road, 10 kilometers of tunnels, and 1.4 kilometers of bridges.
Costing the Albanian government 33.6 billion ALL, the Arber Road is set to become a critical East-West corridor, featuring seven tunnels with a total length of 8.5 kilometers. Beyond enhancing connectivity between Tirana, Dibra, and North Macedonia, this road will serve as a vital economic and tourism development artery for the entire region.