2015). Through looking at the indicators (below) we do not simply verify (to a certain extent) the locational advantage or disadvantage of the regions, but also draw a straightforward conclusion on the regions that the future transport policy should focus more and redirect most of the investments. 4.4.1 Travel costs decrease; The travel cost indicator (in this case measured as time of people living in the 61 municipalities to motorway exits) assumes that not all possible destinations are relevant for the accessibility of an area, but only a specified set. The destinations in this case are the motorway exits, assuming that once people reach the exit to a high speed road, they either enter the commuting area of main urban centers, or are able to travel to their destinations and back within the day. For this map we considered only those axes where the travel speed can remain unchanged at values above 70km/hr for more the 50% of the trip. The map of accessing motorways exits is helpful in identifying the regions that are not accessible and have low access. It also helps understanding that Albania needs a transport network investment strategy that will ensure the penetration of the motorway axes from west to east, meaning further integration into the Balkan area and better connections between the Western Europe and the eastern countries. The highway segment from Laç to Kukës and the one from Tirana to Elbasan, are clear evidence supporting the reinforcement of this conclusion.
Co-PLAN, Institute for Habitat Development Tiranë, June 2015
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