The Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, and the Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, made an on-site inspection of the construction activities on the Kichevo–Ohrid Motorway, where intensive slope stabilization works are currently underway on Section 4.

At this stage, rectangular anti-slide piles measuring 3 × 2 meters are being constructed, extending to a depth of approximately 20 meters. These piles constitute a key component of the measures aimed at stabilizing and securing a slope.

“Modern, specialized machinery is being used to carry out this complex operation. A crane with a nominal lifting capacity of 110 tons is being used to lift and install the reinforcement cage,” stated the Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, adding: “The procedure is carried out in several successive stages. Upon completion of drilling and preparation of the borehole, the reinforcement cage is lifted and installed using the crane. The final stage is then carried out, namely the concreting of the pile.”

These activities are of utmost importance for stabilizing the terrain and ensuring the safe continuation of the Kichevo–Ohrid Motorway construction. It is a complex construction operation requiring a high degree of precision, the application of appropriate technology and the use of specialized machinery.

We expect the works on this section to continue at an increased pace, with the aim of ensuring that all planned activities are implemented in accordance with the design documentation and the approved construction schedule.

The Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, and the Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, made an on-site inspection of the construction activities on the Kichevo–Ohrid Motorway, where intensive slope stabilization works are currently underway on Section 4.

At this stage, rectangular anti-slide piles measuring 3 × 2 meters are being constructed, extending to a depth of approximately 20 meters. These piles constitute a key component of the measures aimed at stabilizing and securing a slope.

“Modern, specialized machinery is being used to carry out this complex operation. A crane with a nominal lifting capacity of 110 tons is being used to lift and install the reinforcement cage,” stated the Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, adding: “The procedure is carried out in several successive stages. Upon completion of drilling and preparation of the borehole, the reinforcement cage is lifted and installed using the crane. The final stage is then carried out, namely the concreting of the pile.”

These activities are of utmost importance for stabilizing the terrain and ensuring the safe continuation of the Kichevo–Ohrid Motorway construction. It is a complex construction operation requiring a high degree of precision, the application of appropriate technology and the use of specialized machinery.

We expect the works on this section to continue at an increased pace, with the aim of ensuring that all planned activities are implemented in accordance with the design documentation and the approved construction schedule.

“Today we are laying the foundation stone not only for a motorway, but for a faster, safer and better-connected Macedonia with its neighbours, the region and Europe. With the commencement of the Skopje–Blace motorway construction, from Stenkovec Interchange to Blace Border Crossing that is approximately 10.5 kilometres long, we are taking a significant step towards completing this strategic regional transport link. The selection of Granit as the contractor has enabled the launch of this long-awaited project. This investment is particularly important as it will strengthen connectivity with the Port of Durrës, with Albania, Montenegro and Serbia via Kosovo,” said Koce Trajanovski, Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, at today’s foundation-stone-laying ceremony marking the start of construction of Phase II of the Skopje–Blace motorway.

Trajanovski further noted that financing has been secured through a €167.6 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a €30.82 million grant from the Western Balkans Investment Framework, funds from the Public Enterprise for State Roads’ budget for expropriation, as well as grant funding for the designers, Hill International and ADT Omega.

In his speech, Trajanovski also referred to the technical characteristics of the motorway, which will comprise two carriageways, each with two traffic lanes and an emergency stopping lane, with a total width of approximately 27.5 metres. He added: “This is the technically most complex and most challenging motorway, which over a short distance of just 10.5 km will feature numerous tunnels, viaducts, bridges and galleries and will be a challenge for both the designers and the contractors. Due to the complex hilly and mountainous terrain, the project envisages the construction of five tunnels with left and right tubes, eight bridges, 11 underpasses, four galleries and nine retaining walls. Construction is scheduled to take four years. The Skopje–Blace motorway will reduce travel times, increase safety and lower vehicle maintenance costs, while the existing road will continue to serve as an alternative route for local residents and other road users,” said Koce Trajanovski, Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, which is the lead entity responsible for the motorway construction project.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Ministers of Macedonia and Kosovo, Hristijan Mickoski and Albin Kurti, along with the respective Ministers of Transport, as well as numerous other politicians, government officials, Members of Parliament, ambassadors and directors.

The parties involved in the implementation of the Project for Construction of the Infrastructure Corridor 8 and Corridor 10d held their regular weekly meeting today, as part of the ongoing coordination required for the successful implementation of the project activities.

The meeting was attended by representatives of all project implementation participants: the PESR’s Project Implementation Unit, the Contractor, the Supervision Engineer, and the Technical Assistance Consultant supporting the Project Implementation.

At these meetings, time deadlines are agreed upon, and obstacles and issues faced during work are addressed. In addition, information is exchanged on the current status of the project activities, field operations, the availability and scope of the executed works, the capacities for implementing the planned activities, as well as the present challenges and future plans.

These meetings take place at least once a week, or more frequently when needed, which is vital for timely exchange of information, coordination of activities among all parties involved and more efficient monitoring of the Infrastructure Corridor 8 and Corridor Xd Project implementation. Such approach contributes to timely identification and resolution of challenges and ensures continuity and efficiency of the project implementation.

The Public Enterprise for State Roads has commenced rehabilitation works on the bridge structure over the Markova Reka River on regional road R1106, located in Kisela Voda, at the entrance to Drachevo, to have the safety and functionality of the bridge improved.

The Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, together with the Mayor of the Municipality of Kisela Voda, Beti Stamenkoska Trajkoska, therefore went for an on-site inspection of the ongoing construction works.

The construction activities are progressing at an accelerated pace and at a rate adapted to the summer period, when traffic is less intensive, with the aim of minimizing traffic congestion and the impact on road users.

The works include rehabilitation of the bridge superstructure, involving the removal of the existing expansion joints, drainage inlets, asphalt, railing and sidewalks. A new concrete slab will then be installed, together with waterproofing of the bridge structure, asphalt paving, construction of new sidewalks, and installation of a new railing.

The construction works are being carried out by the construction and design company “Sintek Engineering” DOOEL, v. Brazda, while supervision is being provided by the project management company “EOS E.E.” DOO Skopje. The rehabilitation works are financed from the budget of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, with the allocated amount being MKD 4,619,800.00, excluding VAT.

The deadline for completion of the works is as stipulated in the Contract, and, in consultation with the Contractor, completion is expected in early September.

The Public Enterprise for State Roads is responsible for the safety and maintenance of more than 1,100 bridges on state roads throughout the country. Based on the monitoring of the condition of the bridges, the need occasionally arises for maintenance of the bridge superstructure, i.e. for its rehabilitation due to deterioration of the components most susceptible to wear, such as expansion joints, asphalt and other elements, with the aim of enhancing their safety and ensuring greater security for road users.

During the execution of the works, traffic will be regulated by temporary traffic lights, with vehicles being allowed to pass alternately in one traffic lane.

The Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, and the Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Office in Skopje, Fatih Türkmenoğlu, signed a Grant Agreement at the Government of North Macedonia.

“Today, we are signing a grant agreement between the Public Enterprise for State Roads and the EBRD, which is part of the EU–Western Balkans Investment Framework in the amount of €30.8 million, along with a €167.6 million loan for the construction of the Skopje–Blace motorway. The section to be built is 10.5 kilometers long, and together with the previously completed 1.5 kilometers, the total motorway length will be 12 kilometers. The motorway will have a total width of 24.5 meters. This road is intended to bring the citizens of Macedonia and Kosovo closer together. The investment plays a vital role in the economic and social development of the country’s northeastern region and will facilitate international transport and trade in the region,” said Koce Trajanovski, Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, prior to the signing of the Grant Agreement.

The signing of the Grant Agreement between the Public Enterprise for State Roads and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), concerning an investment grant from the European Union–Western Balkans Joint Fund for the TEN-T Highway Project (North Macedonia–Kosovo Border), is in fact an investment grant agreement that completes the financial structure for the implementation of the project to construct the motorway from Skopje (Stenkovec Interchange) to the Blace border crossing, covering a distance of approximately 10.5 kilometers.

The ceremonial signing was also attended by, and included addresses from, the President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, the Deputy President of the Government, Aleksandar Nikoloski, and the EU Ambassador, Michalis Rokas.

The Skopje–Blace motorway section will begin at the Stenkovec Interchange and end at the interchange located near the village of Blace. The planned motorway will consist of two carriageways, each with two traffic lanes measuring 3.5 meters in width and one 2.5 meters wide emergency lane. The total designed width of the motorway will be approximately 24.5 meters. Due to the specific characteristics of the terrain, which is hilly and mountainous and forms part of the Skopska Crna Gora mountain range, the motorway route includes the construction of numerous structures: 11 underpasses, 8 bridges, 4 galleries, 9 retaining walls, and 5 twin-tube tunnels.

By securing this loan together with the non-repayable investment grant, and through the construction of the Skopje–Blace motorway, travel times will be significantly reduced, road safety will be improved, and vehicle operating and maintenance costs will decrease.

The Public Enterprise for State Roads is expanding the availability of M‑Tag devices for electronic toll collection by broadening its sales network. Through a strategic partnership with the mobile operators A1 Macedonia and Macedonian Telecom, these devices are now more easily accessible to citizens via their retail outlets across the country.

The Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski, together with the Chief Executive Officers of A1 Macedonia, Metodija Mirchev, and Macedonian Telecom, Goran Markovikj, formalized the cooperation as a direct response to drivers’ needs for faster and more efficient service.

Previously, M‑Tag devices could only be purchased at toll stations or at PESR offices in Skopje downtown. With this new arrangement, citizens can now obtain their M-Tag device conveniently from the nearest retail location of either mobile operator.

“Our ultimate goal is to modernize the toll collection system while minimizing manual intervention. By encouraging electronic payment, we enable faster vehicle flow, enhance safety, and most importantly, eliminate opportunities for system misuse,” stated the Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads, Koce Trajanovski.

Alongside digitalization efforts, PESR is also actively improving physical infrastructure. Construction has recently begun on the expansion of the Miladinovci toll station, aimed at eliminating congestion at this key point. During the construction period, drivers are advised to use the nearby Petrovec toll station, which offers greater capacity.