Albania launches World Bank-funded bridge sustainability project

November 17, 2024 - Albania has begun work on a $100 million project backed by the World Bank to improve bridge safety and resilience, starting with the Viroi Bridge in Gjirokastër. The program aims to address vulnerabilities in 30 critical bridges over the next seven years.

The construction in Viroi Natural Park includes a modern bridge to replace the existing one, which floods during winter. Engineer Aristotel Noni from the Regional Road Authority said the project would improve safety and serve pedestrians. "The new bridge will meet modern standards, while the old one will become a scenic walkway around the lake," he said.

The initiative follows the 2019 earthquake, which revealed the structural weaknesses of Albania’s aging bridges. Experts estimate that 800,000 people will directly benefit from the program, which targets structures with heavy traffic and severe wear and tear.

While road bridges are being prioritized, cultural heritage advocates warn that many historic bridges face neglect. Geri Emiri, head of the Amfora Center, called for urgent action to protect these monuments. "The damage to historic bridges not only disrupts communities but also leads to rural depopulation," he said.

Financial constraints remain a challenge for local governments tasked with maintaining rural bridges, but officials hope the World Bank-backed initiative sets a precedent for sustainable infrastructure development.