Design Review and Supervision of Works for Vjosa Bridge and Connecting Road

The project forms part of the Building Resilient Bridges Project, financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and aims to improve road connectivity, safety and climate resilience in southern Albania. The assignment covers the review and updating of the existing designs, preparation of construction tender documents, and supervision of works for the new Vjosa Bridge and approximately 5 km of connecting road in the vicinity of Tepelena, Gjirokastër County.

The new bridge will cross the Vjosa River and connect Tepelena with the opposite riverbank. The existing design envisages a 501 m-long concrete bridge with 14 spans, together with two roundabouts and associated access roads. The assignment also includes the rehabilitation and upgrading of the connecting road between the Beçisht intersection and Dragoti Bridge, addressing deficiencies in the existing route and bringing the design into line with current engineering, road safety and climate resilience standards.

Given the ecological importance of the Vjosa River and its protected natural environment, the project places particular emphasis on minimizing impacts on the river, its banks and surrounding biodiversity. Environmental and social assessments and mitigation measures will be integrated into the updated design and construction process in accordance with Albanian legislation and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework.

IRD Engineering’s responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and updating the existing detailed designs for the Vjosa Bridge, approach roads and approximately 5 km of connecting road, identifying deficiencies and ensuring compliance with current engineering standards and Eurocodes;
• Integrating the bridge and road designs into a coordinated and comprehensive final design package, including technical drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities and cost estimates;
• Reviewing structural, geotechnical, hydrological, hydraulic, pavement, drainage and road safety aspects, while incorporating climate resilience measures;
• Preparing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), updating the national Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and preparing a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), where required;
• Integrating environmental and social mitigation measures into the design, with particular attention to the Vjosa River’s protected status, biodiversity, water-related impacts and community safety;
• Preparing construction bidding documents and supporting the Albanian Road Authority and Project Implementation Team throughout the procurement and tender evaluation process;
• Supervising construction works to verify compliance with the approved designs, technical specifications, contractual requirements, quality standards and construction schedules;
• Monitoring costs, quantities, progress, contractor performance, health and safety, and environmental and social compliance, including the implementation of mitigation measures;
• Administering the works contract, including reviewing payment applications, assessing variations and claims, monitoring risks, and supporting the taking-over of completed works;
• Supervising defect rectification during the Defects Notification Period and verifying the completion and quality of remedial works.

The project will strengthen transport connectivity around Tepelena and improve access to key regional routes, supporting safer and more reliable travel, local economic development and a more resilient road network, while safeguarding the environmental value of the Vjosa River.