Most complex Kichevo–Ohrid section nears completion; full route due early 2027

Work on the most complex section of the Kichevo–Ohrid highway is in its final phase, the Ministry of Transport says, with the stretch between Izvor and Vrbjani nearing operational readiness.

On the Izvor–Vrbjani segment, two of the four galleries are already finished and crews are intensifying work on the remaining two. Inside the tunnels contractors have begun installing modern systems for signaling, early fire detection, ventilation and a central control room.

Key points and timelines

The Ministry has announced that the Izvor–Vrbjani part will be opened in October; after that the remaining challenge will be to bridge the critical point at Botun, and the entire Kichevo–Ohrid route is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2027.

Regarding Corridor VIII and the section from Trebenishta to the Qafasan border crossing, the Ministry says a motorway will be built but along an entirely new alternative alignment. The change is being made to protect biodiversity and the cultural‑historical heritage in line with UNESCO recommendations, and the new route is already being coordinated with Albanian authorities.

Parallel to those works, an official start is expected in September on another key section — Kichevo–Bukojchani — a 12‑kilometre stretch for which positive news on financing is anticipated from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). That section is planned to link the Straza mountain pass with the new highway system toward Ohrid and Struga.

Ministry officials portray the combined program as the final push to complete the corridor, with technical outfitting of tunnels and the resolution of the Botun crossing as the last major tasks before the project reaches full operation.

Photo: press material from the event