The Buda interchange could also be extended northwards

The Budapesti Közlekedési Központ has launched a new public procurement tender has been announced for the design of the northern extension of the Buda tram network; the deadline for submitting tenders is 23 November.

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out the complex design tasks for the new tram line between Pacsirtamező Street and Kaszásdűlő HÉV station, from the preparatory phase through to the compilation of construction documentation and the obtaining of permits, right up to the role of design supervisor.

The organiser is expecting several design proposals

The project may be implemented in the form of a framework agreement, in five successive phases; during the first phase, decision-preparation documentation and a feasibility study will be drawn up, examining route options for four key locations:

• Pacsirtamező Street Main Line: A new double-track line, at least 3 kilometres long, may be built, passing through Katinyi Martyrs’ Park, Pacsirtamező Street, Flórián Square and Szentendrei Road, extending as far as Kaszásdűlő, alongside a comprehensive regeneration of the associated public spaces. At Flórián Square, consideration must be given to both the option of tracks running along both sides and the route from Vörösvári Road (in both cases with a curved track leading towards Árpád Bridge), whilst further north, the route could run via the Bogdáni Road bus terminus or along Szentendrei Road.
• Margaret Bridge, Buda bridgehead: A study of a two-way track connection is required between Margit Bridge and the Frankel Leó út–Bécsi út axis, involving an analysis of either the two-way track on Frankel Leó út or the shared-use scheme on Török utca.
• Temporary terminus in Óbuda: Until the entire section has been completed, a temporary branch line and terminus must be assessed at Nagyszombat Street, at Bokor Street (as a loop or terminus) or at Zsigmond Square.

Every stop must be designed to be fully accessible. Following the evaluation of the proposals, BKK will select the route to be developed further. The winning designer will be responsible for delivering the planning consent drawings in Phase 2, the construction drawings in Phase 3, the contractor’s tender documentation in Phase 4, and for providing site management during construction in Phase 5.

(The call for tenders also mentions Blaha Lujza Square, where it stipulates the design of a two-way turning junction between the Grand Boulevard and Népszínház Street in the direction of Teréz Boulevard; however, this is likely to form part of a separate tender.)