Thirre-Kalimash tunnel under reconstructionBreakthrough of the bi-tube 5,475 m Thirre-Kalimash tunnel was achieved at end-May, 2009 as part of the Bechtel-Enka contract to build the 61 km four lane motorway between Rrëshen and Kalimash in Albania. (video). Fitting out was halted in the south tunnel in October, 2009 when the Albanian Ministry of Public Works closed it due to ground movements. Within a month, a collapse of 50 m of the unlined section occurred (video). Stabilization of this section is underway, and circumferential shotcrete arches have been constructed on either side of the collapse as a further safety measure. This work will be completed by end-July, 2010 the end of the construction of Thirre-Kalimash tunnel. The enquiry currently underway in Albania is questioning the price tag for this section of the new motorway, which has increased from EUR416 million to more than EUR1 billion euros. For more on the project click here and visit tunnelbuilder archive al/13. 10/10.