The top layer of asphalt has been laid on almost all sections of the M44

The westernmost section of the M44, currently under construction, is a spectacular 32.3-kilometre continuous stretch of road starting north of Kecskemét, branching off the M5 motorway and running to the junction at Szentkirály (where it joins the section to Békéscsaba).

The road under construction is therefore the western terminus of the M44, which will create a direct high-speed connection between Budapest and Békéscsaba.

The project is implemented in the general construction of Hódút Építő Kft. project, commissioned by Építési és Közlekedési Minisztérium project, most recently in May and June.

The track is starting to take its final shape

According to our sources, the asphalt wearing course has been completed on a significant part of the 2×2 lane road and by the end of September this will be almost 100 percent. That's impressive progress since late spring, when only about 75 percent of the binder course, which forms the wearing course, was in place.

We also learnt that more than 40 km of track fencing has been completed, which represents around 60 per cent of the total fencing. The construction of the guardrail is also progressing well, with around 60 kilometres of the 110 kilometres of railings needed on the track already completed.

The entire section is also undergoing shaping earthworks (i.e. the excavation of the gullies and trenches), as well as trench paving and the construction of sub-grades.

The buildings of the new rest area are now clearly visible

We also learned that the pavement of the Csillik rest area, which is part of the section, has been built up to the bonding layer, the toilet buildings are also under roof, and the engineering and paving works are currently underway. The walls of the engineering house for the water engineering work on the borehole supplying the rest area have been completed and the equipment will be installed in October.

The bridges are also mostly finished

In addition, the entire section is being recultivated, i.e. the temporary disposal of soil and other debris. A level crossing along the M44 has also been closed and traffic diverted to the nearest level crossing via a newly built framework structure (this concerns the MÁV Budapest-Szeged line).

According to our newspaper, 13 of the 14 structures on the track were completed, and two of them and the roads leading to them were opened at the end of August. This has allowed traffic to be diverted from the main M44 carriageway on the section concerned, allowing work to proceed more smoothly and traffic to move more safely without disturbing each other.

Construction will continue in the coming months

The next task for the Beaver Road is to carry out traffic engineering works: painting and portal installation works started in September. In October, road signs will be installed and communication panels will be fitted on the gantries. In the autumn, the grassed areas of the grass verges will also be grassed and the Chilli resting plants will be planted in place.

The deadline for the technical handover of the project is February 2025, which the contractor will meet if weather conditions are not unfavourable.