Rerouted lines – a major upgrade is set to begin on the trolleybus network linking the city centre with Népliget

The missing overhead lines for trolleybus route 83 towards Népliget are to be installed as part of a project with a net investment of nearly 3.45 billion forints. The successful contractors will construct a new turning loop and new stops, rebuild road junctions, and modernise the power converters on Baross Street and at Népliget.

According to the notice published in the EU Public Procurement Bulletin notice states that DUNAGÉP Zrt. has been awarded the contract to construct the overhead line network for trolleybus route 83 in Budapest, along with the associated power supply, between Kálvária tér and the Népliget metro station. In the public procurement procedure for BKK and Budapesti Közlekedési Központ Zrt., the company was awarded the contract with a net bid of approximately 3.006 billion forints, which also includes the refurbishment and expansion of the Baross utca power substation. The modernisation of the Népliget substation, which was advertised as a separate tender lot, may be carried out by VÁV UNION Kft. for a net sum of 443.4 million forints.

A new roundabout is being built; the self-propelled section is being removed

As part of the development, the missing overhead lines will be installed on the relevant sections of Diószegi Sámuel Street, Elnök Street, Könyves Kálmán Boulevard and Bláthy Ottó Street. This will bring an end to the self-propelled section of trolleybus route 83: vehicles will also be powered by overhead lines here.
The route will be re-routed in the area around Kálvária Square and Baross Street, which means that, instead of the loop on Csobánc Street, the trolleybus will continue straight along Baross Street to Orczy Square, where a new turning loop is being built. From there, it will be able to return towards the city centre via the current route.

Nearly 10 kilometres of cable are being laid

The tender documents reveal that the contractor’s specialists will need to install 9,691 metres of new cable after erecting the 152 overhead line support poles. On Diószegi Sámuel Street and Elnök Street, the foundations will also be replaced along with the poles. According to the specifications, a single support structure may carry the overhead line, street lighting and road signalling equipment, thereby reducing the number of poles.
The route and height of the overhead line have been determined with a view to preserving the existing trees. A suspended system, consisting mainly of a cable network, is being installed, and the overhead line switch will be controlled using the 2.4 gigahertz radio frequency band.

Stops and junctions will also be adapted to the new network

The cable-laying works will involve roadworks at several locations. A recessed bus stop is to be constructed in front of No. 13, Magyarok Nagyasszonya Square. On Szenes Iván Square, the bus stop for services heading towards Baross Street will be relocated to in front of No. 3 on the square, also with a recessed design.
The contractor will also have to rebuild three traffic-light junctions: the junctions of Orczy út and Elnök utca, Könyves Kálmán körút and Elnök utca–Győrffy István utca, and Üllői út and Könyves Kálmán körút.
During the utility works, 330 metres of water mains and 14 drainage manholes will be removed, whilst 343 metres of sewer pipes and 13 drainage manholes will be installed. As part of the public lighting refurbishment, 78 existing light fittings, together with their associated components, will be removed.

Power supply units are being modernised 

The power supply is also being upgraded to support the expanding overhead line network. Project DUNAGÉP involves the refurbishment and expansion of the Baross Street substation, located at 27 Fiumei Road. Project VÁV UNION will install a new traction unit at the Népliget substation at 78 Könyves Kálmán körút. This will involve installing a dry-type traction transformer and a 1,500-kilowatt rectifier, as well as expanding the positive cable terminal.
The company will refurbish the DC distribution boards, carry out the necessary cable replacements and install a new protection cabinet. It will also modernise the insulation and safety systems. The remote control system will also be upgraded: the contractor will install and commission the new system, and will also upgrade the remote control centre via software. The winning contractor is responsible for laying 780 metres of low-voltage power cabling, installing 460 metres of cable ducts, and, as a separate item, laying 940 metres of wiring and cabling. The works also include the replacement and installation of 87 light fittings and 49 emergency lighting units.