Drini Bridge
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Drini Bridge Ura e Drinit | |
|---|---|
 Close shot of the Drini Bridge | |
| Coordinates | 42°05′20″N 20°24′40″E / 42.0890°N 20.4110°E |
| Carries | A1 motorway |
| Crosses | Black Drin River / Fierza Reservoir |
| Locale | Kukës, Albania |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Through-arch bridge |
| Material | Weathering steel and concrete |
| Total length | 310 m |
| Width | 23 m |
| Height | 55 m (arch above deck) |
| Longest span | 270 m |
| History | |
| Opened | November 4, 2024 |
| Location | |
 Interactive map of Drini Bridge | |
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.
Design and construction
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 structural engineering expertise initially entrusted to the Italian firm Maeg and subsequently assumed by Cimolai.[5]
Significance
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.
Reception
While widely praised for improving connectivity, the bridge has also faced criticism for potentially reducing traffic through Kukës city, affecting local commerce.[7]