Skopje, 12 July 2026 (MIA) - Six motorways are currently under construction at the same time in Macedonia, a scale of activity unseen anywhere else in the region. The works on all routes are advancing successfully and will significantly improve connectivity throughout the country, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said.

He provided detailed information on the progress of all motorway projects currently being implemented across the country.

According to the Ministry of Transport, regarding the Skopje–Blace motorway, Nikoloski said that the grant agreement had already been signed, securing around €31 million, which represents approximately 15 percent of the project’s total value. He noted that Granit had been selected as the contractor, describing this as a positive development for the domestic construction sector.

Referring to the Kichevo–Ohrid motorway, he said that 37 kilometers have been built so far, of which 34 kilometers are already open to traffic. He also announced that additional sections are expected to be opened for traffic this summer.

Speaking about the Gostivar–Bukojchani motorway, Nikoloski said that construction works are progressing better than expected.

“Although this is an extremely complex terrain, we have no problems with expropriation or access to the construction site. Of the 31 kilometers that the motorway will span, 17 kilometers have already been excavated. This is the first motorway in Macedonia being built simultaneously from both ends – from the direction of Gostivar and from the direction of Bukojchani – and it will shorten travel distances by around 15 kilometers,” he said.

He expects this section to be fully completed in the second half of 2029, while the Tetovo–Gostivar motorway is expected to be finished even earlier.

Nikoloski also announced the upcoming start of construction works on the 12-kilometer Bukojchani–Kichevo section, which will connect the motorway being built by the Bechtel and Enka consortium with the Kichevo–Ohrid motorway.

“The project will be implemented with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and I expect the contractor to be selected within the next ten days, after which construction will begin,” he added.

Referring to the Bitola–Prilep motorway, Nikoloski said it is the longest motorway project currently under construction in the country.

“The pace of works is good, and I expect the first 10 to 11 kilometers to be opened for use in the first half of next year as a fully completed motorway section,” Nikoloski said.

Photo: Ministry of Transport