The search for the contractor for the transformation of Mester Street in the capital

The inner part of Mester Street in Ferencváros, between Ferenc körút and Haller Street, will become a greener, more attractive area, suitable for longer stays, where it will be easier to walk, cycle and take the tram

- says the Budapest Transport Centre in a recent statement.

BKK has launched a public procurement procedure for the selection of the contractor; following the successful tender, the renovation is scheduled to start in the first half of 2026 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. Mester utca is an important avenue in the IX district and one of the most important avenues of the capital, and the current reconstruction will take place between Ferenc körút and Haller utca.

The tender can be viewed here in the EU public procurement database. We last reported on the progress of the project in May.

Rethinking transport, following social consultation

The BKK reviewed the role of the Master Street network in terms of individual vehicle traffic to prioritise active mobility, micromobility (e.g. walking, scooters, bicycles).

However, rethinking the street is not only important for transport: there are schools, doctors' surgeries, restaurants and shops in the area.

According to the contents of the completed design documentation

• accessible transport will be provided on pavements and at tram stops;
• a new pedestrian crossing at the emergency stop of trams 51 and 51A, which will allow safer exits;
• a new pedestrian crossing will be built at the corner of Mester Street and Thaly Kálmán Street to provide easier and safer access to the St. Stephen's Technical College and College and the kindergartens in the area;
• traffic engineering changes will be introduced to make Mester Street a quieter, cleaner and more liveable public space, protected from private motor traffic;
• a partially separated protected cycle route from Lily Street to the Great Boulevard, and a fully separated protected cycle route between Márton Street and Lily Street;
• increasing green space, while creating micromobility points and new terraces for restaurants and concentrated loading areas for shops.

Coordinating and planning since 2021

The BKK recalls that a long preparatory work has made it possible to implement the project, if the financial resources are available: in 2021, a public consultation was launched on the renewal of the inner section of Mester Street. The questionnaire was completed by more than 1,000 people and almost 5,600 opinions and suggestions were received. Read more about the results of the consultation on this page. BKK also involved the NGOs concerned in the planning process, as well as the district council representing local residents.

Further details are available on the BKK page, at this link.