Skopje, 1 February 2026 (MIA) - Construction works on the "Macedonia" Boulevard expected to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Skopje began on Sunday. The project includes four phases, the first of which should be completed in 90 days.

Skopje Mayor Orce Gjorgievski told reporters that the tender procedure for the second phase is expected to begin next week. He expressed hope that the entire road, which is about two kilometres long, will be completed by the end of his term.

"Today we mark the launch of construction works on the "Macedonia" Boulevard. Long in the pipeline, we are starting with the first of the four steps. The construction deadline is 90 days, and next week we will start the tender procedure for the second phase, which will include two new roundabouts and an entrance to the underground road. So as not to waste time, we will start the tender procedure, as I mentioned, in the next 10 days and I believe that immediately after the completion of the first phase, we will start implementing the second phase. This phase includes expansion of part of the road here and arranging the entire area," said Gjorgjievski.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski pointed out that this project will make a substantial difference for the people of Skopje, adding value to the quality of life.  

"I have nothing further to add as regards the technical characteristics, or analyse the project from a technical aspect, but I know that this project will certainly facilitate movement in the city centre. The deadline to fully complete the entire project is ambitious, the plan to complete this part of the road in 90 days is also ambitious. However, given that we have an ambitious Mayor, I believe all this will be completed and the people of Skopje will be able to use this road very soon," said Mickoski. 

In terms of ongoing construction works in Skopje, Gjorgjievski said activities are underway on an expedited schedule on the Momin Potok interchange, on "Ljubljanska" bridge, and also final activities are underway in terms of enabling "General Mihajlo Apostolski" bridge to connect Gazi Baba and Aerodrom municipalities, which citizens are expecting for a long time.

The Mayor added that a tender procedure will be announced in the next ten days for the completion of the Boris Trajkovski Boulevard towards Drachevo.

"This is a boulevard that has been under construction for decades, which has left citizens exhausted and in uncertainty for many years. I believe we will finally complete that project as well," he said.

Gjorgjievski noted that he will hold a press conference next week to report on the financial situation of the City of Skopje.

"We are already stabilizing public enterprises and I believe that we are slowly but surely putting the City on stable feet, as the citizens expect," he said.

As regards accusations from the opposition that the majority of the people appointed in the management and supervisory boards of public enterprises and institutions are members and donors of VMRO-DPMNE, Gjorgjievski said such accusations are absurd, pointing out among other that those are people with dignity, with major experience, people who will be able to help and improve the conditions in public enterprises.

Photo: MIA