This lorry terminal will relieve pressure on Debrecen’s road network, and this is how the huge car park is being built

A vast lorry park is being built in the North-West Economic Zone in Debrecen. The key strategic and environmental benefit of the parking complex, which has a capacity of 260 spaces, is that, as a regional, centralised logistics terminal, it relieves the city of Debrecen and its road network of heavy goods vehicle traffic.

One of the region’s leading construction companies, „KE-VÍZ 21” Construction Zrt., is playing an increasingly important role in the development of the infrastructure of Debrecen and Hajdú-Bihar County. One need only think of the development of main roads 33, 48 and 471, or of Debrecen’s inner-city road network.

The lorry terminal is being constructed under the leadership of the Debreceni Mélyépítő Kft. consortium, with work carried out by the „KE-VÍZ 21” Építőipari Zrt. as part of the investment by Debreceni Ingatlanfejlesztő Kft. (DING Kft.) . We previously reported on this development, valued at 4.7 billion forints net, when the project was launched. The aim of the project is to create a logistics and lorry terminal to serve the BMW car factory and its suppliers, as well as the southern economic zone and the city’s smaller industrial estates.

One of the main benefits of the lorry park could be that, once completed, it will significantly relieve the town and its road network of commercial logistics traffic. The construction period will be 12 months from the handover of the site. The handover of the project is expected in April 2027.

They are coordinating the work across several specialist areas

According to information provided by the multi-generational family business, „KE-VÍZ 21”,

The general contracting work encompasses not only road construction and civil engineering but also the development of the entire utility and electrical infrastructure, as well as the construction of service buildings.

Various surfacing and kerbs, the rainwater and wastewater drainage systems, the drinking water network, reservoirs and pumping stations, as well as the medium-voltage electricity network, street lighting, the CCTV system and parking facilities are being completed. As part of the project, a BMW ring road traffic light junction is also being constructed to ensure safe access to the terminal.

One of the greatest technical challenges of the project is the coordination of work across the various disciplines. Across the extensive site, road construction, utility installation, electrical works and structural works must be scheduled in such a way that they build upon one another and are carried out whilst ensuring the necessary logistical conditions are in place.

More than 44,000 square metres of concrete paving

One of the key elements in the construction of the lorry terminal is the construction of heavy-duty pavements and the underlying sub-base structures. The project involves the laying of approximately 44,200 square metres of CP concrete pavement, which has been specifically designed to withstand the significant loads imposed by heavy goods vehicles.  The pavement is a „K” load-class road structure, meaning it must withstand continuous, high axle loads as well as the impact of slow-moving lorries and those stationary for extended periods – all over the long term, without deformation.

Earthworks also account for a significant volume. A total of 17,500 cubic metres of topsoil was excavated from the site; earth-filling and cutting works totalled 36,500 cubic metres; and soil improvement covered an area of 62,000 square metres. To ensure adequate load-bearing capacity, the project also includes the installation of a further 11,000 cubic metres of frost-protection layer.

In addition to the CP concrete surfacing, bituminous-bound surfacing and paving stone surfaces are also being laid; in other words, road structures are being constructed to suit the various areas of use within the terminal. 

They take care of any oil spills and rainwater that may escape

Drainage and the management of pollutants from large areas of paved surfaces are an important part of the project. Rainwater is collected by a closed sewer network approximately 3,800 running metres in length, to which 86 drainage inlets and 75 prefabricated cleaning chambers are connected.

To prevent any fuel or oil spills that may occur in the car park from entering the environment, seven oil traps and three sluice gates are being installed. These will prevent contaminated water from passing through.

Two irrigation water reservoirs, each with a capacity of 150 cubic metres, will also be constructed on the site. These will collect rainwater falling on paved surfaces, which will be used for irrigation where necessary. Environmental considerations are also reflected in the design of the green spaces; as part of the project, 191 trees will be planted. In addition, solar panel systems will be installed on the south-facing flat roofs of the various service buildings.

Rest areas, canteens and toilet facilities are provided for lorry drivers

The terminal will have a total capacity of 260 lorries . Drivers’ comfort will be catered for by four rest areas and three separate dining facilities, each of which can accommodate 20 people at a time. Eight general toilet blocks will be installed across the site, providing washing and toilet facilities at various points around the car park.

In addition, cleaning storerooms equipped with ladies’ toilets will also be provided. Outdoor leisure facilities include 45 benches with backrests, 20 picnic tables and 16 sun loungers. The safe operation of the site is supported by 1,400 running metres of fencing, two reception desks, a CCTV system, parking facilities and outdoor lighting covering the entire area.

It is important to note that, in accordance with European Union regulations, the project aims to create a safe and secure parking facility that meets the requirements for ESPORG silver and gold certification. The aim is to establish a lorry park and logistics centre suitable for catering for and accommodating lorry drivers. In addition to the gold and silver certifications, the site owner also plans to prioritise sustainability objectives in the future.