Kosovo Motorway

Countries in Southeastern Europe are displaying energy and commitment toward developing their national infrastructure. There is a genuine understanding on the part of Governments that new or improved road infrastructure brings immediate and long term economic benefits in modern and developing economies.

In particular, there is recognition that a transport network provides a catalyst to spur long term economic growth and that providing greater connectivity supports the development of new and expanded businesses, increasing the potential for international trade and tourism.

Government officials of Kosovo turned to a Bechtel joint venture to connect its country to Albania and the Adriatic. The plan we presented included an alternative alignment for the Morinë-Merdare Motorway. The new alignment eliminated nearly five kilometers of costly tunnels and saved the government hundreds of millions of euros. Our team was responsible for design management, procurement, and construction for the new four-lane motorway.

The economic benefits are not limited to Kosovo, as the trade route created by the motorway will contribute to the economic integration of the countries of Southeastern Europe, Western Europe, and beyond.

In November 2011, Bechtel and its longtime joint venture partner, Enka, marked the completion of the first stretch of the 102-kilometer (63-mile) Kosovo Motorway one year ahead of schedule and within budget.

The team’s commitment to help Kosovo build its country and economy is evidenced by the fact that 70 percent of the workforce on the project has been local Kosovans, and some 80 local contractors and hundreds of local suppliers have worked on the project.

Check out the gallery of photos.