Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel

Tunnel in Thirrë, Albania

Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel
Overview

Status	In use
Route	A1
Operation
Opened	2009
Traffic	cars
Toll	5-10 €
Technical
Length	5490 m
No. of lanes	2 (per tube)

The Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel is a highway tunnel in Thirrë, Albania, part of the A1 Albania–Kosovo Highway. It is part of the South-East European Route 7. The tunnel is of great importance and, combined with the highway, has reduced the travel time between Tirana and the Kosovo border from 8 hours to 3 hours, with an estimated speed of 80–110 km/h.^[1] It has served to boost tourism Kosovan tourism in Albania and deepened cultural and economic ties between the two countries.^{[according to whom?]}

The structure is 5490 m long, which made it the longest tunnel in Albania when opened.^[2] However, it has since lost this title with the opening of the 5990 m long Llogara Tunnel on the SH 8.

In 2018, toll booths started being installed on the eastern extremity of the tunnel near Kolsh as part of making the A1 the first toll highway in Albania. As of 2024, toll booths are open and passenger cars are charged €5.