Szeged is getting rid of its asbestos-cement and cast-iron pipes

Szeged’s water mains reconstruction programme is progressing street by street, in stages, with the next phase involving the modernisation of the networks on two streets in the city centre. Szeged Waterworks has launched a public procurement procedure under reference Zrt. public procurement tender issued by Szeged Waterworks Zrt., Veolia Mélyépítő Magyarország Kft. was awarded the contract for the construction of the section of Kazinczy Street between Juhász Gyula Street (Tisza Lajos Boulevard) and Dózsa Street, whilst Délút Építő és Bányászati Kft. may continue the renovation of Jósika Street as the third phase, between Gogol Street and Gyertyámos Street.

Whilst asbestos-cement pipes may be replaced on Jósika Street, cast-iron pipes may be replaced on Kazinczy Street. Unlike the health risks associated with inhaling asbestos, asbestos-cement drinking water pipes do not pose a threat to water quality or consumer health. In both cases, their replacement is unavoidable in order to prevent material fatigue due to their age, pipe stiffness and, consequently, frequent pipe bursts.

Modernisation of the city centre network continues

On a 210-metre stretch, involving the resurfacing of 507 m² of asphalt and the restoration of 17.9 m² of paving stones, the Veolia Mélyépítő Magyarország Kft. will be carrying out work on Kazinczy Street for approximately 68 million forints.

On the section between Juhász Gyula Street and Dózsa Street, the old cast-iron water mains may be replaced using open-trench, pull-in and pipe-bursting methods, along with the replacement of existing service connections to properties, as well as the replacement of fire hydrants and gate valve junctions.

The planned pipeline is intended to replace the existing water supply pipeline, which is in poor technical condition, and the domestic water connections; this will also require road surface repairs covering a total of 507 m² of asphalt and 17.9 m² of paving stones.

The renovation of Jósika Street is nearing completion

Work to replace the utility and road networks has previously been carried out on several sections and in the surrounding streets around Jósika Street; now, the water main reconstruction is set to be completed from Gogol Street all the way to Gyertyámos Street – covering the entire remaining section of road. Along this 454-metre section, staff from Délút Építő és Bányászati Kft. will need to restore 2,506 m² of asphalt surface.

As part of the development project, which is to be carried out at a cost of 119 million forints, 454 metres of asbestos-cement pipework will be replaced with modern PE pipes using open-trench and pipe-lining techniques, along with the replacement of existing service connections to properties and the replacement of fire hydrants and gate valve junctions.

The asphalt surface will also need to be repaired to complete the works. As part of the resurfacing of a total area of 2,506 m², 2,359 m² of carriageway and 147 m² of pavement will need to be rebuilt, whilst 25 m² of decorative paving will need to be removed and restored.