The national road connecting Librazhd and Pogradec remains completely closed after a landslide that began with an asphalt crack four days ago, authorities and locals report. The collapse has fully destroyed the road in multiple sections, leaving commuters and residents stranded.

Four families in the nearby village of Dragostinje are reportedly living in fear that their homes could be damaged as the hillside continues to shift. Drone footage showed the landslide stretching from the top of the hill down to the Shkumbin River riverbed.

A bridge along the route has deteriorated completely, while asphalt has cracked beyond repair. Attempts to open a temporary bypass were halted due to safety concerns for workers. Ami Kozeli, director of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), initially promised the bypass would open on Monday but later announced that the road closure would continue.

Kozeli dismissed suggestions that the collapse was caused by private excavation work along the Shkumbin River riverbed, stating that all companies involved in Corridor VIII construction had valid permits. “Precautionary measures for creating the bypass were ineffective, so the road will remain closed,” he said. “We are discussing alternative routes, including the one through Spatharë, which vehicles are currently using.”

The government attributes the landslide to heavy rainfall, but prosecutors have launched investigations into potential criminal liability, including “abuse of office,” “violation of tender procedures,” “road destruction,” and environmental offenses. The temporary bypass contract was awarded to the company ANK, owned by Agim Koles, whose site is located 2 kilometers from the collapsed road.

Travelers from Korçë, Pogradec, Përrenjas, and Librazhd now must take a longer and less secure route via Maliq – Gramsh, or an even more difficult path through Tepelena and Leskovik. Meanwhile, trucks from North Macedonia are reportedly rerouting via the Arbër Road corridor.