North Macedonia advances major highway projects and Corridor 8 route planning

Corridor 8 highway construction infrastructure development transportation policy North Macedonia

North Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski has provided updates on several major highway projects, most notably the development of Corridor 8. To comply with UNESCO recommendations and protect biodiversity and cultural heritage, officials are working with Albania to identify an alternative route for the Kafasan–Trebenishta highway section.

Regarding the Ohrid–Kičevo highway, the most complex segment between Izvor and Vrbjani is expected to be operational by October. This section includes several tunnels currently being equipped with advanced ventilation, fire warning, and traffic monitoring systems. The entire Ohrid–Kičevo route is projected to be fully functional by the first quarter of 2027.

Other ongoing projects include the Tetovo–Gostivar and Gostivar–Bukojčani highways, which are expected to reach completion by 2029. Additionally, the construction of a 12-kilometer stretch connecting Kičevo to Bukojčani is anticipated to be announced in September, pending decisions from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Entities

Albania · Aleksandar Nikollovski · Aleksandar Nikoloski · EBRD · European Bank for Reconstruction and Development · North Macedonia · UNESCO

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The Ohrid-Kičevo highway is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2027. lider.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Two galleries on the Ohrid-Kičevo highway are finished, with a third at 70 percent and a fourth at 50 percent completion. lider.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Izvor to Vrbjani section of the Ohrid-Kičevo highway is expected to be operational in October. lider.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] North Macedonia is working with Albania to find an alternative route for the Ćafasan–Trebeništa highway to protect cultural heritage and biodiversity. plusinfo.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] The highway from Tetovo is expected to be completed within three years. plusinfo.mk