Drini Bridge

Drini Bridge is a through-arch motorway bridge located near the city of Kukës in northeastern Albania. It spans the Black Drin River and the Fierza Reservoir as part of the A1 motorway, connecting Albania with Kosovo.

Overview

The bridge was inaugurated on 4 November 2024, replacing an older two-lane crossing built in the 1970s. The project is considered a major infrastructure milestone for northeastern Albania, easing traffic bottlenecks on the Durrës–Kukës–Morinë highway.

Design and construction

The Drini Bridge has a total length of, with a central span of — one of the longest arch spans in the region. The arch rises approximately above the deck, and the bridge is about wide, allowing four traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways.
It was built using weathering steel and reinforced concrete, minimizing the need for painting and maintenance. The components were prefabricated on land and launched across the river using barges.
The project was completed by the Albanian company Salillari sh.p.k., with Italian firms Cimolai and Maeg contributing structural engineering expertise.

Significance

The bridge enhances the economic corridor between Albania and Kosovo, supporting regional integration and trade. Its weathering steel arch has also become a landmark feature visible from much of the surrounding area.

Reception

While widely praised for improving connectivity, the bridge has also faced criticism for potentially reducing traffic through Kukës city, affecting local commerce.