Debrecen launches the largest urban infrastructure development programme in decades

For decades, there has been no precedent in Hungary for complex urban development planning in a large city. The ring road plan, which will determine the development of the district, and the water and sewerage network plan for the district are being prepared simultaneously at the licensing and implementation plan level. The project may affect 20-30,000 people in the north-eastern part of Debrecen, and its design is being carried out by Cívis Komplex Mérnök Kft., FŐMTERV Mérnöki Tervező Zrt. and UTIBER Közúti Beruházó Kft. jointly won contracts worth HUF 2.299 billion. Hajdúsámson will also benefit from the infrastructure development in the eastern part of Debrecen, as drinking water supply and sewage disposal are pressing issues there as well.

In the framework of the infrastructure development of the eastern part of Debrecen, a complex planning of road, stormwater drainage, energy supply (including street lighting) and telecommunications infrastructure developments can be launched, in addition to wastewater and drinking water networks.

Growing economic weight, increasing challenges

In the Southern Economic Belt and the North-Western Economic Belt of Debrecen, utility infrastructure developments related to industrial facilities are already underway. In connection with these, complex wastewater and drinking water network improvements have also become necessary in the residential areas, because the infrastructure capacity needs resulting from the expected increase in population, in addition to the increased industrial role of the city of Debrecen, must be ensured.

The increase in population also generates an increase in traffic, so a bypass is needed along the eastern border of Debrecen, but also on some stretches of the city centre, to serve the newly built-up areas.

Diverse impact

The consortium's task is to plan an infrastructure development of a complexity not seen for decades in 420 days, which, in addition to road and utility extensions, also requires the development of the Debrecen wastewater treatment plant.

This will not only benefit local residents and economic zones, as the facility will also serve as a gateway to surrounding areas and agglomerations.

In addition to Ondód and the southern and eastern districts of Debrecen, it will also make life easier for the inhabitants of Hajdúsámson, Ebes, Mikepércs and Sáránd, as the capacity and operational safety of the areas' wastewater disposal will increase, and the drinking water supply will be more reliable.

The expected increase in traffic in Debrecen will also have an impact on the whole city and its nearby agglomeration. The planned road network element will also provide an alternative for agglomeration and through traffic from the north, east and south to access the city from the opposite direction, by avoiding the centre.