M-1 motorway (Republic of Macedonia)

M-1 motorway
290px
Route information
Part of E75
Length:	173 km (107 mi)
Major junctions
North end:	Kumanovo, Serbian border
South end:	Gevgelija, Greek border
Location
Major cities:	Kumanovo, Skopje, Veles, Gevgelija
Highway system
Transport in Macedonia

The M-1 (or A-1) motorway (автопат A-1 ) is a motorway in the Republic of Macedonia an it forms part of the European route E75 (E75). It spans 165 kilometers (103 mi) as a four-lane, tolled, controlled-access highway. It crosses the country from north to south, starting at the border with Serbia near Kumanovo and ending at the Evzoni-Bogorodica border crossing with Greece near Gevgelija . As a part of the Pan-European corridor X (along with route E70) and connection among Macedonia's biggest cities, it is one of vital highways for Macedonian infrastructure, and significant works are currently undergoing for its reconstruction and enhancement.

Route

The motorway begins right after the Republic of Macedonia–Serbia border checkpoint and it continues as a first class motorway for approximately 40 km, when it reaches the Skopje Airport and the interchange with the M-2 motorway (Skopje bypass). Nevertheless, in the part between Skopje Airport and Veles, the motorway splits, creating a gradual distance of several kilometers. The northbound route is the postulated motorway route whilst the slightly longer southbound route, with dangerous bends, is the old road and is being used as a freeway as it is only one-way. Currently, enhanchment works are undertaken in this part. Also, the 33-kilometer (21 mi) Smokvica–Demir Kapija section is under reconstruction in order to be brought to motorway standards. Works are due to finish in 2016.

Pictures

• 

  M-1 near Stobi

• 

  M-1 near Veles