A major roadworks project is set to begin in Budapest, with Mester Street and the surrounding area set to be completely transformed

At a press conference on Friday, the Budapest Transport Centre, the Budapest Metropolitan Municipality and the Ferencváros Local Council announced that the long-awaited redevelopment work on Mester Street is set to begin.

The aim of the project is to make the section in District IX quieter, greener and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and local residents. The works are being carried out by Colas Közlekedésépítő Zrt. and Colas Hungarian Construction Zrt..

In our previous article, we reported that the project will involve the complete resurfacing of the road and pavements across the entire width of the road, the construction of new pedestrian crossings, and the creation of a partially and fully separated, protected cycle path. As part of the project, accessible tram stops will be created, green spaces will be expanded, more than 6,500 perennial plants will be planted across nearly 1,000 square metres – which will be maintained by a new irrigation system – and parking facilities will also be adapted to the needs of residents and businesses.

The event was attended by:

• Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest,
• Krisztina Baranyi, Mayor of Ferencváros Local Council,
• and Ádám Bodor, Deputy CEO for Mobility at BKK.

Part of a coordinated renovation programme

Gergely Karácsony emphasised at the press conference that the renovation of Mester Street is an important investment in its own right, „especially given the capital’s financial situation, which will hopefully be less gloomy in the near future.”

The works also form part of an important strategy involving a series of coordinated, interlinked and mutually reinforcing regeneration projects aimed at making Ferencváros a more liveable and healthier place. Once the regeneration is complete, Mester Street will be one of the most beautiful streets in Budapest, he said.

The Mayor pointed out that, during the previous term of office, Bakáts Square had been renovated with the capital city’s support as part of the Tér-Köz programme, and plans are already underway to „humanise” the Grand Boulevard.

Krisztina Baranyi, Mayor of Ferencváros, said: „Today is an important day in the life of Ferencváros because it marks the start of the largest public space and street regeneration programme in the district’s modern history.” She announced that the project includes the refurbishment of the Grand Boulevard and Mester Street, as well as the creation of four ‘healthy streets’ in central Ferencváros.

All of this will mean a greener, more peaceful and quieter life for tens of thousands of people within three years, he pointed out.

The mayor also mentioned that the entire project is being funded by the EU, the capital city and the district, with a total budget of over nine billion forints.

Ádám Bodor, Deputy CEO for Mobility at BKK, reported that, due to the disorganised state of Mester Street, trams travelling along the street have frequently obstructed parking up to now. As part of the project, the parking arrangements will be reorganised, more disabled parking spaces will be created, the size of the green space will be quadrupled, and an irrigation system and permeable paving will be installed to help prepare for climate change – he listed the changes affecting Mester Street.