Nikoloski: First fully completed sections of Prilep–Bitola highway expected in 2027

During a visit to Prilep on 21 August 2026, Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski said the first fully completed sections of the Prilep–Bitola highway are expected next year, while the overall project deadline remains the end of 2029.

"The final deadline remains unchanged, it is the end of 2029, but the first kilometres of a completely finished highway, I'm talking completely, meaning in both directions, 3 plus 3 lanes with constructed auxiliary roads, I expect already next year," Nikoloski said.

According to the minister, construction progressed with good pace over the summer and project implementation was discussed at a recent working meeting in Prilep.

Funding and local investments

Nikoloski said that through various programmes of the Ministry of Transport, some 580 million denars are being invested in Prilep, roughly €9.5 million. He broke down that sum by source: about €3 million from the first call and about €4.5 million from the second call.

In addition, a World Bank programme worth approximately €350,000 is being implemented, and there is a separate investment of about €1.5 million for construction of a social‑housing building in Prilep. The minister said the building is to be completed by the end of 2026 and the apartments distributed and occupied by spring 2027.

Nikoloski reiterated that the government expects to see the earliest fully finished highway stretches — in both directions with three lanes each and accompanying service roads — operational in 2027, while the full Prilep–Bitola route should be completed by the end of 2029.

Photo: press material from the event