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Zogu i Zi Reconstruction

A few days ago I was passing Zogu i Zi and discovered that construction of the new roundabout to replace the demolished overpass was a lot more advanced than I had imagined. Most of the major work has been completed on the central section and the approach roads, and traffic is flowing smoothly.

As well as the roundabout itself, the central section and the roadside areas have been or are being landscaped, new lighting has been put in place and it looks as if the central section will eventually have a fountain.

The planners have also provided a footpath that encircles this central section. But as far as I can see, the only way to get to it is to cross the road on the roundabout itself which seems a little hazardous. Perhaps it is simply in recognition that Tirana's pedestrians - myself included - will cross the road wherever and however they like.

I went back on Sunday when they were working on the final surfacing of the approach road into the city and took the photographs below.

Now they just have to come up with something similar for the terrible junction where the Durres road meets the road to Fushe Kruje. When they do the drive in from the airport will be almost pleasant.








Comments

Anonymous said…
Alwyn, I hope you don't mind I borrowed one of your pictures and your entire piece :) I loved both the cleanliness of the roads and the expat's perspective.

Thanks for both.

Ll.
pmusaraj said…
Excellent observations Alwin. Thanks for the photos.
Anonymous said…
Nice - that area has been a complete mess since I first visited Tirana in 2002... and now it has been fixed in a matter of a few months eh.
The PC said…
wow. I was there only 10 days ago.

Now if they only discover the magic of grass, pebble stones (or any dust control method) maybe Tirana air quality would improve a little.
Anonymous said…
It sure has changed from 2 months ago i drove through there.... any pics from Main Boulevard?
Anonymous said…
ya, nice but what about zebra, pedestran way, signals ..?
olli said…
You are welcome to use the photos Llukan.

They were still working on this when I took the pictures so I assume they may put some basic pedestrian facilities in place - probably just zebra crossings and no one stops for those anyway.

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