The €36.7 million project has been co-financed by the EU with a grant of €13.9 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and a World Bank Group loan of €20.3 million, complementing the €2.4 million national contribution.

Road users can now travel from Stracin to Kriva Palanka in only 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes previously. With the section from Kriva Palanka to Deve Bair open since 2020, there is an even faster link to the Bulgarian border.

These investments are part of the wider upgrade on Corridor VIII, an east-west route connecting Albania’s Adriatic port of Durres to the Bulgaria’s Black Sea port of Varna via North Macedonia.

This 23 km expressway, expecting to carry 16,000 road users per day (instead of current 5,000 passengers), will allow speeds up to 110 km/h.

• Two driving lanes (3.5 metres wide) and two stopping lanes (2.5 metres wide)
• Three interchanges, 13 viaducts, nine overpasses, and 44 slopes.

The official opening ceremony brought together key authorities, including North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Ben Nupnau, Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolovski, and Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads (PESR) Koce Trajanovski.

Prime Minister Mickoski highlighted the project’s collaborative spirit: “This road represents the collective effort of our citizens. Built with their contributions, it stands as a symbol of progress and unity. Enjoy it!” He announced that this expressway is just the beginning. Future projects include key sections of Corridors VIII and X – also part of the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean European transport corridor – and routes like Gostivar – Bukojčani, Kichevo – Ohrid, and Prilep – Bitola.

Minister Nikolovski emphasised the economic significance of the route: “This expressway is vital for connecting North Macedonia with Bulgaria and advancing the development of our eastern regions. It’s a crucial step toward making Macedonia a transport and energy hub.”

Ben Nupnau, representing the EU, underscored the broader implications: “This project aligns with Corridor VIII, linking the Adriatic and Black Sea. This project increases the competitiveness of North Macedonia, attracts investments and facilitates trade. This road is not only a symbol of connectivity, it is a symbol of our commitment to build a stronger and more united Europe.”

PESR Director Koce Trajanovski celebrated the teamwork that delivered the project on time: “Despite challenges, including winter conditions, our team ensured successful completion by the end of 2024.”

The project ‘Corridor VIII: Cut-Slopes Stabilisation on Express Road A2, Kriva Palanka – Stracin Section’ has been identified as Flagship 1 – Connecting East to West in the Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.