Drini Bridge (Albanian: Ura e Drinit) 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 structural engineering expertise initially entrusted to the Italian firm Maeg and subsequently assumed by Cimolai.
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.
See also A1 motorway (Albania) Kukës Black Drin List of bridges in Albania
References
External links Project announcement – Prime Minister's Office Drini Bridge Project – Maeg S.p.A. Drini Bridge - Cimolai S.p.A. Steel Supply for Drini Bridge – Pittini Group