Gostivar, 21 February 2026 (MIA) - The Gostivar - Kichevo motorway will be finished as planned by 2029, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy PM and Transport Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski and State Roads Director Koce Trajanovski during Saturday's inspection of construction works on the Gostivar-Bukojchani section.

PM Mickoski said the Government is committed to building such infrastructure, since the country's geopgrahic position should be utilized.

"To be a regional crossroad is a strategic advantage for the country and the realization of these corridors improves the resilience and the security of the region, but also NATO's southern flank," said Mickoski. 

Minister Nikoloski said 90 percent of expropriation proceedings along the route have been completed, while timely financing directly affects the project's realization.

"I am pleased to see that the construction sector increased by 21 percent in the third quarter of 2025 and we will continue in the same way. Citizens will drive along this motorway by the end of 2029. Progress is also good in the Tetovo-Gostivar section, as well as the Prilep-Bitola motorway," said Nikoloski. 

United States Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Varnes thanked for the commitment in completing this big infrastructure endeavor.

"Corridor VIII will transform North Macedonia's economic future by connecting the east with the west, facilitating trade, and creating opportunities for your citizens. The United States values this partnership and expects both governments to maintain the momentum that is needed to realize this joint investment," said Varnes.

State enterprise Public Roads Director Koce Trajanovski said construction works on the motorway section are developing as planned.

"About 300 workers are hired for this section, operating more than 500 machines. This is one of the most difficult sections ever built in Macedonia, considering the terrain configuration," said Trajanovski.

The Government delegation visited one of the largest viaducts that is currently in the final stages of construction, almost 400m-long, including about 20 pillars at a height of about 41 meters.

Photo: Government, Ministry of Transport