Construction of the Shengjin-Velipoja Segment reduces the distance from about 65 km to 15 km, and consequently the travel time to only 20 minutes.

In the framework of the Program ‘Connectivity of Regional and Local Roads’ financed by the World Bank, the Albanian Development Fund has started the works of one of the most ambitious projects such as the construction of the new segment, Shengjin-Velipoja. The segment will be a new axis, which from the administrative point of view will include the Municipality of Shkodra and the Municipality of Lezha. The facility will be about 15 km long of which the first 6 km will be placed in the District of Lezha and in the following in Shkodra. The road will be parallel to the coastline that lies between the two inhabited centers. It will not only serve to connect the two areas with one another but also it will further connect them with Ulcinj.

Currently, along this segment the infrastructure is completely lacking as well as there are no electricity networks, water supply and sewerage, which practically make the development of the area impossible. In this context, the ADF aims to improve the infrastructure of the two important tourism centers in a segment which will shorten the travel distance, create access and security for travelers and also new opportunities for the development of the areas and the whole region. Particularly, the construction of the axis will make a difference in qualitative context to tourism development (and all its subbranches) but also beyond, bringing a direct impact on the socio-economic sectors, by anticipating new business initiatives along one of the most special coastal landscapes.

The construction of Shengjin-Velipoja segment is anticipated in 5 Lots as follows:

  1. LOT I -Urban Area Shengjin

This segment will be 1.35 km long, and it will initially be placed over the existing road, which starts in front of Shengjin Port’s entrance, continues up to the hillside and passes through the new inhabited area above on Shengjin. Since the new trail will pass through a residential area, there will be settled sidewalks and street lighting.

  1. LOT II-The area up to Renci Mountain

The axis will be 3.9 km long, ranging from km 1.35 up to km 5.25. It will start at the end of the inhabited road continuing along the slope of Renci Mountain, which passes through a not very rugged mountainous terrain. The road will follow an existing rural axis, which goes to Margjonaj, on a terrain with a continuous sloping ascent. The route often approaches close to the edge of the plateau, making this road panoramic over the Adriatic Sea. At the end of the segment, where the highest point of the relief is positioned, a stopping platform for vehicles will be built, as an attractive stopping point for tourists.

  1. LOT III-The area downward to Renci Mountain

A completely new route of this segment will be built and it is going to be 4.7 km long, starting from km 5.25 - 9.95. After reaching the peak ascent, over the area of “Rana e Hedhun", the axis will come down along the slope of Renci mountain. Due to the fact that the segment passes through a very rugged and steep sloped terrain, it is necessary to build structural works along the length.

  1. Lot IV- The area along the Rrjoll's sand dune

The segment will be 2.85 km long, which will start from km 9.95 to km 12.80. After descending from Renci Mountain, it will pass at the end of the sand dune with a width of 700-800m, which crosses to the end of Renc Mountain. The route follows an existing road that leads to the beach with increased turnover during the summer season. Given that the segment will be close to urban area, it is foreseen to place sidewalks, lighting, greenery etc.

  1. Lot 5 – The area Rrjoll-Velipoja

The 2.30 km long segment will range from km 12.80 to km 15.10. This axis starts from Rrjolli, where after detaching from the intersection of existing road of Rrjollli, the route crosses near to Vilun Lake following an existing road. Next, the road passes in a field terrain through the so-called Livadhi i Bllanes and it continues at the entrance of Velipoja in conjunction with the existing road. Taking in consideration the area at the entrance of Velipoja city, it will be considered as an urban area, adding sidewalks and lights.

The project will also include the construction of a new Bridge over the Viluni Lagoon, which accesses the Lagoon with increased number of visitors day by day.