Skopje, 26 February 2026 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said the Government plans to build new expressways aiming to boost regional connectivity.

Nikoloski said in a Sitel TV podcast that the plans include construction of a new expressway from Kochani to the border with Bulgaria, a new expressway from Radovish to Strumica, and a new connection of Corridor X with the Struma Corridor through construction of an expressway from Smokvica via Strumica to the border with Bulgaria.

As regards the Kumanovo - Stracin section, Nikoloski said work is underway on joint procedures with the European Union, which is to complete connection with the Stracin - Kriva Palanka section put into operation last year.

"In cooperation with the EU, we are build the Kumanovo - Stracin section now. The expressways will be different from the ones we have built so far. We have changed both the law and the regulations and now they will resemble, for example, the Tetovo - Gostivar highway, where they will have two plus two lanes with a median barrier, but the barrier will not be made of concrete, it will be a classic elastic barrier, as is the Drenovo - Farish section," Deputy PM Nikoloski said.

He added that the Government has passed the basic documents for an expressway from Kochani to the border with Bulgaria.

"A key project for me is an expressway from Radovish to Strumica and another expressway from Smokvica via Strumica to the border with Bulgaria and Petrich on the other side," said Nikoloski.

As regards the highways on Corridor VIII and Corridor Xd, the Deputy PM noted that work is running smoothly and the projects will be implemented as scheduled.

Photo: MIA archive