The Thirrë-Kalimash Tunnel is a highway tunnel in Thirrë, Albania under the A1 Albania–Kosovo Highway. It is part of the South-East European Route 7. The tunnel is of great importance and together with the highway have reduced the travel duration between Tirana and Kosovo border from 8 hours to 3 hours, with an estimated speed of 80–110 km/h.[1] It also boosted tourism in Albania and deepened the cultural and economic exchanges between Albania and Kosovo.
 | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Status | In use |
| Route | A1 |
| Operation | |
| Opened | 2009 |
| Traffic | cars |
| Toll | no (free) |
| Technical | |
| Length | 5490 m |
| No.oflanes | 2 (per tube) |
The structure is 5490 m long, which made it the longest tunnel in Albania when opened.[2] However, it has lost this title with the opening of the 5990 m long Llogara Tunnel on the SH8
In 2018, toll booths are being installed on the eastern extremity of the tunnel near Kolsh, as part of making A1 the first toll highway in Albania. In 2024, toll booths are open, it costs 5 Euros for a passenger car.
