The Albanian Roads Authority (ARRSH) has ordered the full closure of the Librazhd–Prrenjas road after significant structural deterioration was detected on a bridge in the area known as “Arrat e Gurrës”.

Speaking from the site, the head of ARRSH said the situation has worsened over the past 48 hours, forcing authorities to block all traffic, including heavy and passenger vehicles, until a provisional bypass can be constructed alongside the affected embankment.

According to officials, displacement of the bridge structure increased from 27 centimeters earlier in the day to 29 centimeters within hours. Engineers also observed crumbling concrete beneath the bridge, indicating ongoing structural movement.

“We are obliged to implement a total closure,” the ARRSH chief said, noting that the bridge currently does not meet safety standards. Authorities stated they cannot provide a clear timeline for reopening the road but confirmed that work with contractors and engineers began immediately following an emergency meeting held at 8:30 a.m.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the route, particularly given increased weekend traffic toward Korçë. Officials warned motorists they risk becoming stranded in long queues if they attempt to pass through the area.

ARRSH attributed the damage to natural causes, explaining that the bridge is located in a water-retention zone known as “Ligata e Bicës,” where river erosion has undermined the structure’s foundation. The bridge itself, built in 1997, remains structurally intact, officials said, but its base has been compromised due to ongoing erosion from below.

The affected road axis was originally commissioned in 2001 and has undergone maintenance over the years, though no major structural investment has been made since its construction.

In response to questions about possible erosion linked to licensed aggregate extraction in the riverbed, the ARRSH chief stated that the activities had been carried out with proper environmental permits and could not be directly tied to the current structural failure.

As for traffic alternatives, authorities said light vehicles may be redirected through Maliq–Berzhan and via Gramsh, routes previously used during a February 1 closure caused by a rockslide. However, no immediate alternative is currently available for heavy vehicles until the temporary bypass is completed.

Engineers remain on site to monitor the situation as emergency stabilization efforts move forward.