Major night-time operation on the M1 – 27.5-tonne bridge girder installed at Csém

In connection with the expansion of the M1 motorway, MKIF Magyar Koncessziós Infrastruktúra Fejlesztő Zrt. Facebook page.

During the night between Monday and Tuesday, the first 27.5-tonne girder section of the new bridge under construction in the Csém area was lifted into place. During this complex operation, the engineers had to hoist one half of the structure, which has a 56-metre span, into position with millimetre precision.

The installation of the bridge’s second 26-tonne girder is scheduled for the night between Wednesday and Thursday, so temporary traffic arrangements are to be expected on the affected section.

They work at night so that traffic can flow during the day

The company has emphasised that, wherever possible, work is carried out from the worksite or service roads in order to minimise disruption to traffic. However, work on the bridges inevitably affects the main track from time to time, which is why such work is typically carried out during the night when traffic is lighter.

As a result, temporary night-time traffic restrictions are to be expected during the expansion of the M1 motorway; however, traffic will continue to flow in both directions at all times.

Animation helps road users

As part of the project, a dedicated information portal has also been launched, where road users can continuously monitor the current traffic arrangements, junction closures, rest area restrictions, and the locations of emergency lay-bys. 

The contractor has also published an animation showing how the original traffic layout will be transformed into the widened carriageway, and how the so-called 2+1+1 diversion system works.

The video is available here: