Construction of the cross-border bridge at Szigetköz can continue

At the beginning of 2023, began on the construction of a bridge between Dunakiliti in Hungary and Doborgaz in Slovakia.  The pedestrian and cycle bridge connects the Slovakian island of Kis-Csallóköz with Szigetköz on the Hungarian side and will form part of the EuroVelo 6 cycle route.

The project is being implemented within the framework of the Interreg V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Programme, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, with Hungarian funding also involved. The Hungarian partner is Építési és Közlekedési Minisztérium, while the Slovak partner is VODOHOSPODÁRSKA VÝSTAVBA, ŠTÁTNY PODNIK..

Work on the floodplain bridge section is well under way

According to information available on the ÉKM website available information, the investment on the Hungarian side is at the 58% stage, with the bridgehead and pillars 1-5 of the floodplain bridge already built, the embankment of the connecting cycle path, and the construction processes related to the project that do not directly affect the river bridge.

Due to contractual problems between the Slovak partner and the bridge contractor, the construction work has been suspended for the time being, so the last support of the Hungarian side bridge and the Pillar 6 between the joint Hungarian-Slovak bridge on the river bridge side has not been completed yet.

According to information published in the European Public Procurement Notice, the public procurement process was successfully completed in mid-June and the Slovak contractor, BEKOR s.r.o., based in Galanta, was selected, meaning that work can continue.

Main technical characteristics of the bridge

On the Hungarian side, the development will include a 505.76-metre-long pedestrian and cycle path between the dam and the bridge. In addition, a five-span right bank floodplain bridge will be built.

The main feature of the facility is a 250.25-metre-long, three-arched Danube bridge that crosses the border between Hungary and Slovakia. This structure will provide pedestrians and cyclists with direct access between Doborgaz and Dunakiliti.

On the Slovak side, several additional facilities are also being built: a left bank footpath and cycle path, and a footpath over an embankment. The development also includes a left bank floodplain bridge, a small pedestrian and cycle bridge at the Doborgazi small hydroelectric power station, and a retaining wall and fence around the power station.

The construction of the bridge and the sections and structures leading to it could create an opportunity to create links between the previously isolated border settlements in the area. The new link will benefit the local population in particular, and will also meet tourist needs. Once completed, the bridge will be used by cyclists, pedestrians, ambulances and maintenance vehicles.