A major landslide of earth and rocks has completely blocked the critical national road between Elbasan and Qafë Thanë, leaving motorists stranded in freezing conditions and forcing law enforcement to announce alternative routes for traffic.
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| View of the landslide and road blockage |
Authorities Respond: Police, ARRSH & Road Crews Mobilize
The Elbasan Traffic Police quickly arrived on the scene and, in cooperation with the contracted road maintenance company, began efforts to clear the debris and restore normal traffic. The Autoriteti Rrugor Shqiptar (ARRSH) confirmed that heavy machinery was deployed to remove rocks and soil from the road surface.
In the meantime, officials urged drivers not to use the blocked route and to choose alternative itineraries to avoid further congestion and potential safety risks. The route recommended by police for vehicles heading toward Tirana and other destinations diverts through the towns of Maliq, Lozhan, Moglicë, Gramsh, and then Elbasan, effectively bypassing the closed segment.
This diversion is especially important given the volume of traffic on this mountainous route, which connects southeastern Albania with central regions and neighboring countries.
Stranded Motorists Share Frustration
Many travelers were left waiting desperately for updates as the blockage persisted. In firsthand accounts, drivers reported waiting for five hours in the cold, with limited communication and no clear timeline for reopening. Some motorists expressed anger and exhaustion, saying they had begun their journeys early and were caught off guard by the landslide.
Among those affected was an ambulance carrying a woman with a broken leg. Emergency crews were forced to extract the patient from the vehicle and carry her on a stretcher across a nearby riverbed so she could continue to Elbasan Hospital. This dramatic rescue illustrated how the crisis affected even urgent medical transport.
Conditions & Safety Concerns
The landslide appears to be linked to unstable geological conditions, possibly exacerbated by recent weather patterns, though authorities have yet to formally confirm specific causes. Similar climate-related road blockages have occurred in other parts of Albania following heavy rains or snow, causing severe travel disruptions and infrastructure stress.
Officials continue to stress that drivers should exercise increased caution on rural and mountain roads, especially in winter months when landslides, rockfalls, and weather-related obstacles are more common.
What This Means for Albanian Travel & Economy
The Elbasan–Qafë Thanë road is not just a local route — it’s a strategic link for commerce, tourism, and cross-border travel between Albania and North Macedonia. Prolonged closures can disrupt supply chains, delay deliveries, and cause economic losses for businesses and commuters alike.
The landslide has underscored broader challenges facing Albania’s infrastructure resilience, particularly in mountainous regions where road stability can be compromised by natural processes and extreme weather.
Looking Ahead: Reopening & Prevention
ARRSH and police officials continue working to reopen the axis as soon as possible. While crews are making progress removing debris, no definitive timeline has been announced. Travelers planning transit through southeastern Albania are strongly advised to check updated traffic advisories, use alternate routes, and prepare for delays.
Authorities also note that long-term measures — including rockfall mitigation systems, improved drainage, and slope stabilization — may be needed to reduce the risk of future closures.