Skopje, 21 January 2026 (MIA) – Construction has begun on the motorway sections Tetovo–Gostivar and Gostivar–Bukojchani, after we previously resolved the land expropriation and removal of structures along these routes, Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikoloski said Wednesday in Parliament while responding to a question from MP Halil Snopche on how citizens’ toll revenues are being spent.

“The full procedure for selecting a contractor for the Gostivar–Bukojchani section has already been completed. We are only awaiting approval from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, since the loan comes from there, in order to select a contractor. I hope that after winter ends and weather conditions improve, work will also begin on the third motorway, from Bukojchani to Kichevo. The Kichevo–Ohrid motorway, which had been neglected and work wasn’t being done, is now under intensive construction. Thirty-seven kilometers are already operational, with new activities each month, just now the junction connecting Struga was completed as well,” Nikoloski said.

The Transport Minister said he expects the Kichevo–Ohrid motorway will be completed within the set deadline. Regarding the Skopje–Blace motorway, Nikoloski said the procedure has been finalized and the government is awaiting a response from the EBRD, which is financing the construction of the section.

“We are also working on the motorway from Prilep to Bitola, which this government initiated despite the agreement being signed by the previous one, under which no activities were undertaken. We completed the expressway from Gradsko to Drenovo and from Drenovo to Farish, which is already being used by the citizens,” Nikoloski said.

Nikoloski stressed that the eastern part of Corridor VIII – the expressway from Stracin to Kriva Palanka – has been opened, adding that he hopes neighboring Bulgaria will begin construction of a motorway toward the country.

MIA file photo