Minister Aliu Discusses the Technical Review of the Ibër Bridge, Addresses Whether It Can Be Opened for Vehicle Traffic

The Minister of Infrastructure, Liburn Aliu, stated that there is no reason why the bridge over the Ibër River should not be opened, noting that a technical review of the bridge has already been conducted.

In an interview, Minister Aliu emphasized that work on the Prishtina-Podujeva highway, which began around eight years ago, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

In addition to this, Aliu also discussed the work on the Prishtina-Gjilan highway, mentioning the challenges encountered during the process.

He highlighted that no concrete promises can be made regarding these works, as landslides have occurred, leading to a complete redesign of the project.

Furthermore, he noted that the next objective is to open an air corridor with Montenegro.

Aliu: The Ibër Bridge Should Have Been Opened

“That is a political issue in which we, as the ministry, are involved on a technical level. Regarding the technical aspect, the technical review of the bridge has been completed, and we are awaiting a response. I believe that from a technical standpoint, I don’t see any problems, but the reviews will provide their own results concerning the bridge’s functionality. The political agreement has existed many times, and it should have been opened. There is no reason not to open it; bridges connect people,” Aliu said.

Aliu emphasized that according to the current dynamics, it is expected that the Prishtina-Podujeva highway will have regular traffic flow with four lanes by the end of this year.

Aliu: The Prishtina-Podujeva Highway is Expected to Be Completed by the End of This Year

“We are doing our best to ensure that work on the Prishtina-Podujeva highway proceeds according to the planned schedule, and this is happening. So, within the one-year timeframe, we expect that by the end of this year, there will be regular traffic flow, with four lanes on this road,” Aliu emphasized.

Speaking to KosovaPress, Minister of Infrastructure Liburn Aliu said that work on the Prishtina-Mitrovica road is expected to be completed within this year, but he cannot make the same promise for the Prishtina-Gjilan highway.

Aliu: There Are Difficulties in the Gjilan Road Works

“There is regular progress on the Mitrovica road, and we expect to complete everything within this year. Especially the section with four lanes up to Vushtrri, which is almost finished… We are facing difficulties in the Gjilan section. There have been issues with slopes, various landslides, which have required a complete redesign of the project. These are ongoing problems that were contracted earlier. I cannot promise anything specific for the Gjilan road, but we are trying our utmost,” Aliu stressed.

In addition to these, Aliu mentioned that the air corridor with Albania is operational, while adding that the next goal is to open it with Montenegro as well.

Aliu: The Next Goal is to Open the Air Corridor with Montenegro

“The air corridor with Albania is operational. The air corridor with Montenegro remains. The opening of the air corridor with Albania has made air routes from Europe shorter, without the need to go as far as Macedonia. Now, our next goal is to open the corridor with Montenegro,” said Aliu.