Corridor VIII runs through the territory of North Macedonia in a length of about 305 km, from the border with Bulgaria (border crossing Deve Bair), via Kriva Palanka – Kumanovo – Miladinovci – Skopje – Tetovo – Gostivar – Kicevo – Trebeniste – Struga – border with Albania (border crossing Kjafasan), and, with the branch from Podmolje to Ohrid, represents the so-called East-West connection from Burgas (Bulgaria) to Brindisi (Italy).
Corridor VIII (besides Corridor X) represents the main transport route of the Macedonian road network and provides traffic communication of international significance. In total, 62% of North Macedonia’s population is directly connected to Corridor VIII. Having in mind the driving-dynamic conditions of the Corridor and the importance of this transport route, there is a need for its upgrading to a motorway in order to accommodate projected traffic volumes.
About 42 km long, Gostivar – Kicevo section is located centrally in the western part of Corridor VIII, towards Albania. It directly connects two regions of the country - Polog and South West. Due to the difficult terrain, the complexity of the construction works, and the amount required for its completion, the construction of this section is divided into three phases (subsections):
The main objective of the construction of the Bukojcani-Kicevo subsection is the improvement of the road conditions up to the level of motorway standards, which will continue with the construction of the other two phases to reach the target of a new 42 km long motorway from Gostivar to Kicevo.
This investment will support regional development by increasing the attractiveness of the road and raising the level of its use. It will support the competitiveness of a local economy and contribute to the development needs of individuals, companies and society within the area. For the local residents living in remote areas, the time for reaching public and social services will be shortened.