One of the new bridge structures on the M1 is being built near Tatabánya

The MKIF Magyar Koncessziós Infrastruktúra Fejlesztő Zrt. Facebook page has posted a new entry in the M1 Extension Diary – this time focusing on bridge construction.

As reported, work is currently underway on the M1 motorway on the 78-kilometre section between the M0 and the Concó service area.

As part of the development, a total of 72 bridges and overpasses will be rebuilt or reconstructed to accommodate the wider track following the expansion.

Over the past few weeks, experts have been carrying out important structural works on the bridge located at the Tatabánya-Újváros junction.

The foundations for the new piles have been completed

At the current stage of construction, the pile caps – which form the foundations for the new piles – have been concreted.

Two new structures are being built on each side of the bridge. As part of the process, once the formwork has been completed, the excavation pits will be backfilled and covered.

In the next phase of the project – when traffic heading towards Budapest will be operating under a temporary 2+2-lane traffic scheme – the bridge structure on the side leading towards Győr will be completely demolished.

The missing pile connectors and columns will then be fabricated, followed by the construction of the new superstructure.

The new bridge girders will be hoisted into place at night

One of the most spectacular tasks in the project, and one that will require the greatest precision, will be the removal of the old bridge girders and the installation of the new ones.

The contractors will carry out this work at night, during periods of lighter traffic, in order to minimise disruption to traffic as much as possible.

The 2×2-lane carriageway will remain open throughout the works

According to the information provided, a 2×2-lane carriageway will be maintained for motorists throughout the entire duration of the M1 motorway expansion.

This means that two lanes will remain open in both directions towards Budapest and Győr, so that both cars and lorries will be able to use the motorway even whilst work is in progress.