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The Drini Bridge has a total length of {{convert|310|m}}, with a central span of {{convert|270|m}} — one of the longest arch spans in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marcegagliabuildtech.it/en/2024/07/22/ponte-drini-un-ponte-verso-il-futuro-con-le-barriere-di-sicurezza-marcegaglia/|title=Drini Bridge: A bridge to the future with Marcegaglia safety barriers -|date=July 22, 2024|website=Marcegaglia Buildtech}}</ref> The arch rises approximately {{convert|55|m}} above the deck, and the bridge is about {{convert|23|m}} wide, allowing four traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways. |
The Drini Bridge has a total length of {{convert|310|m}}, with a central span of {{convert|270|m}} — one of the longest arch spans in the region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marcegagliabuildtech.it/en/2024/07/22/ponte-drini-un-ponte-verso-il-futuro-con-le-barriere-di-sicurezza-marcegaglia/|title=Drini Bridge: A bridge to the future with Marcegaglia safety barriers -|date=July 22, 2024|website=Marcegaglia Buildtech}}</ref> The arch rises approximately {{convert|55|m}} above the deck, and the bridge is about {{convert|23|m}} wide, allowing four traffic lanes and pedestrian walkways. |
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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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392499796_New_Drini_Arch_Bridge_in_Kukes_Design_and_Launching_Phases|title=New Drini Arch Bridge in Kukes: Design and Launching Phases}}</ref> |
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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392499796_New_Drini_Arch_Bridge_in_Kukes_Design_and_Launching_Phases|title=New Drini Arch Bridge in Kukes: Design and Launching Phases}}</ref> |
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The project was completed by the Albanian company Salillari sh.p.k., with Italian firms Cimolai and Maeg contributing structural engineering expertise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cimolai.com/portfolio/drini-bridge/|title=DRINI BRIDGE}}</ref> |
The project was completed by the Albanian company Salillari sh.p.k., with Italian firms Cimolai and Maeg contributing structural engineering expertise.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cimolai.com/portfolio/drini-bridge/|title=DRINI BRIDGE}}</ref> |
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== Significance == |
== Significance == |
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Latest revision as of 10:14, 11 February 2026
Bridge in Kukës, Albania
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.
The bridge was inaugurated on 4 November 2024, replacing an older two-lane crossing built in the 1970s.[1] The project is considered a major infrastructure milestone for northeastern Albania, easing traffic bottlenecks on the Durrës–Kukës–Morinë highway.[2]
Design and construction
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The Drini Bridge has a total length of 310 metres (1,020 ft), with a central span of 270 metres (890 ft) — one of the longest arch spans in the region.[3] The arch rises approximately 55 metres (180 ft) above the deck, and the bridge is about 23 metres (75 ft) 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.[4]
The project was completed by the Albanian company Salillari sh.p.k., with Italian firms Cimolai and Maeg contributing structural engineering expertise.[5]
The bridge enhances the economic corridor between Albania and Kosovo, supporting regional integration and trade.[6] Its weathering steel arch has also become a landmark feature visible from much of the surrounding area.
While widely praised for improving connectivity, the bridge has also faced criticism for potentially reducing traffic through Kukës city, affecting local commerce.[7]
