National Road 1 (Albania)

The route of SH1

Albanian National Road SH1 is part of the North-South Corridor which connects Hani i Hotit in the Albanian-Montenegrin border with Kakavija in the Albanian-Greek border thus forming part of the Adriatic-Ionian motorway. It forms the main road connection between the Albanian capital, Tirana and Montenegrin capital Podgorica.^[1] Some road atlases have marked SH1 as being part of European route E762. In recent years, the road has been undergoing extensive reconstruction.

Route

SH1 leads to the Albanian-Montenegrin border at Hani i Hotit border crossing. From there southward it passes through Shkodra, Lezha, Milot, and Fushe Kruja to end in Tirana at the Kamza Bypass (Mbikalimi i Kamzes), where it meets with SH2 Highway to Durres.

Background

Roadworks at SH1 in direction to Bozaj border point

The road segment between Hani i Hotit at the Montenegrin border and Shkodra (about 32.5 km (20.2 mi)) is under construction. The section is being upgraded to single carriageway standard with one lane on both sides (superstradë). Once passing Shkoder, the road becomes a single carriageway down to Milot. Throughout its length, it contains some uncontrolled and dangerous entry and exit points. Indeed, the section between Milot and Fushe Kruje was unofficially named as the "Road of Death" by many media reports in Albania. Currently, the 25 kilometres (16 mi) long section is being upgraded to a dual carriageway highway. Once finished, it will become part of the A1 motorway connecting the capital Tirana with Kosovo. SH1 bypasses all cities except Shkodra and Lezha.

References

1. ^ http://www.mpcs.gov.al/dpshb/images/stories/files/bashkpunetoret/7.2.OJF-te.doc