A modern rainwater drainage network is being built in Esztergom – the city's public utility development has entered a new phase

At the beginning of October, STRABAG commenced public utility construction work on Deák Ferenc Street in Esztergom. As part of the separation of the old, outdated combined sewage and stormwater drainage system, the contractor's specialists are constructing a separate stormwater drainage section.

The investment makes controlled drainage safer, even in the event of heavy rainfall. It also relieves the burden on the treatment plant, as rainwater treatment does not tie up capacity. The construction of the shared pipe network also represents a significant step forward in terms of environmental protection and lays the foundation for modern rainwater management.

This development is part of a comprehensive modernisation programme.

During the project, a new backbone pipeline will be laid over a length of 334 metres. In addition, the company's specialists will also install new property connections over a length of 440 metres. The current contract for STRABAG is for the construction of the entire rainwater drainage system and the temporary restoration of the road surface.
In line with its comprehensive development plan, Esztergom will spend HUF 4 billion over four years, without any call-off obligations, on the expansion and modernisation of the city's road and utility networks. The individual projects will be implemented with technical content specified in individual contracts.

The challenges of the urban environment

The work site has unique characteristics, as several contractors are working simultaneously on Deák Ferenc Street. Sewer construction and drinking water pipe replacement are taking place in parallel under order ÉDV Zrt., involving different contractors. The coordination of the works requires continuous coordination between the parties. An additional challenge is the construction in a densely built-up, populated urban environment and the maintenance of existing public utilities. Pedestrian traffic must also be ensured during the works on the 340-metre-long, approximately 10-metre-wide street.

Pipes with varying diameters are being constructed.

The backbone pipeline will be constructed with four different diameters: 500 mm over 152 metres, 400 mm over 88 metres, 315 mm over 53 metres and 200 mm over 41 metres, with a total of 25 cleaning chambers. The connection pipes will be constructed with diameters ranging from 160 to 400 mm, with a total length of 444 metres. The construction will proceed continuously from the receiving end, one manhole at a time. Prior to the foundation work, public utility excavation and on-site surveys were carried out to map the exact location of the existing pipes. Construction is taking place with the creation of a shored excavation pit in the deeper sections. During backfilling and compaction, special attention is being paid to minimising vibrations associated with the work in order to protect the surrounding older buildings.

Environmentally friendly and sustainable working practices

During construction, STRABAG and its subcontractors will use modern, Euro 4-rated machinery, thereby reducing harmful emissions and noise pollution. Approximately 700 m³ of soil will be excavated during the works, of which 400 m³ can be reused on site, while the remaining amount will be transported to a landfill site.

The new system could be ready in ten weeks

One of the biggest challenges of the project is the tight deadline. In addition to the parallel public utility construction works, the old, dilapidated buildings in the vicinity of the work site require that work involving greater vibration, such as backfilling and compaction, be carried out with particular care. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of December.

The first step in urban renewal

The ongoing water utility development is the first phase of the complete renovation of the street. According to the plans, this will be followed by the modernisation of the electrical network and road and pavement renovation works. Preparations for these are included in the Esztergom local government's development programme for next year.