Widening embankments signal progress on M1 expansion

MKIF Magyar Koncessziós Infrastruktúra Fejlesztő Zrt. recent post, he reported on the expansion of the M1 motorway: more and more sections of the widened embankments are appearing alongside the motorway.

A temporary track is being built to divert traffic

As the next important step in the construction process, the newly formed embankments will be covered with temporary surfacing. According to the plans, traffic will be diverted here in autumn 2026: traffic will temporarily run on 2×2 lanes on the Budapest-bound side of the motorway.

This is necessary so that work can begin on the other direction, namely the complete demolition of the track leading to Győr. The existing structure will be demolished to a depth of approximately 100–120 centimetres to make room for the new, modern track structure.

Significant earthworks are underway

The expansion will require the movement of huge amounts of earth. During the project:

• millions of cubic metres of earth move,
• create fillers and notches,
• 11 existing junctions will be modernised,
• and Four new separate-level junctions will also be built..

Why wait for the soil to rest?

Although contractors continuously compact newly constructed earthworks, embankments also need time to achieve adequate stability. This process is referred to as consolidation in soil mechanics.

During consolidation, the pore water in the soil gradually drains away under the weight of the fill, which leads to a reduction in soil volume and an increase in strength. This is a natural process that contributes to the long-term stability and durability of the track structure that will be built on top of it.