The long-awaited renovation of the Flórián Square overpasses, connecting Szentendrei Road and Árpád Bridge, is set to begin in the first quarter of 2025. Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) and KM Építő Ltd. signed a construction agreement on 16 December 2024, marking a significant step forward for the project.
Key details of the project
The renovation will be carried out by KM Építő Ltd. for a net cost of HUF 2.1 billion (EUR 5.1 million), with the total project budget, including VAT, contingency reserves, design fees, technical supervision, and other expenses, expected to reach approximately HUF 3 billion (EUR 7.3 million). Plans for the project were prepared by FŐMTERV Mérnöki Tervező Plc., with technical oversight to be handled by Budapest Közút Plc, Magyar Építő reports.
The reconstruction will address significant deterioration in the overpasses—built over 40 years ago—due to decades of wear and tear. The work is expected to continue through the spring of 2026.
Scope of the renovation
According to BKK, the project includes a comprehensive modernisation of the two parallel overpass structures, which serve as vital links between Budapest and its surrounding areas, accommodating over 50,000 vehicles daily. Key tasks include:
- Replacement of the road surface;
- Repair of reinforced concrete structural damage;
- Full-width waterproofing to prevent further water damage to the pillars;
- Construction of new reinforced concrete edges with improved safety barriers;
- Installation of new expansion joints and bearings at both ends of the bridges;
- Improvements to the drainage system and repairs to retaining walls, bridge abutments, and pillars;
- Preservation of archaeological findings uncovered during construction.
The renovation will proceed in two phases to minimise disruption. Traffic heading from Szentendrei Road to Pest will be maintained on separate levels throughout the construction, while traffic from Pest will alternate between the overpass and the surface level, depending on the phase.
Traffic and public transportation adjustments
The BKK is advising commuters from the surrounding agglomerations to use public transportation wherever possible during the construction period to alleviate traffic congestion. Specific details about closures, detours, and alternate routes will be announced closer to the project’s start date.
A short period is anticipated when tram service on Line 1 under the overpass will be suspended. During this time, replacement bus services will be provided.
Funding secured through legal resolution
The project is funded by the Budapest Municipality, with a significant portion of the budget sourced from a settlement reached in a protracted legal dispute. In 2021, the BKK initiated legal proceedings against Scheidt & Bachmann over a breach of contract related to the city’s electronic ticketing system. The International Court of Arbitration ruled in favour of the BKK, resulting in a substantial financial settlement from the German company. This funding will now be utilised for the Flórián Square renovation, marking an important milestone for Budapest’s infrastructure development.
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