Renovation work is set to begin, but the bridge forming the gateway to Sziget will not be completely closed

Although it was originally built in 1957 as a temporary railway crossing, it now plays a key role in providing pedestrian and road access to Hajógyári Island in Óbuda (K-híd): one need only think of Sziget-fesztiválra.

Renovation work is now set to begin on the bridge which will alter neither its function nor its appearance, whilst representing a significant improvement in technical standards. The aim of the renovation is to ensure the safe and long-term sustainable operation of the structure, whilst preserving its existing visual character.

According to a statement from Budapest Közút Zrt., work may begin in mid-October, following the successful completion of the public procurement tender announced in June. The project will be carried out based on the plans drawn up by Főmterv Zrt., which also designed the original bridge; according to the plans, the contract with the successful contractor will be signed before the end of this month.

It has been announced that, as part of the refurbishment, the road surface and the paving slabs on the pavements on both sides will be replaced, meaning that the carriageway, which is currently 2.8 metres wide, will be widened to 3.5 metres. The width of the pavements will remain unchanged. The replacement of the paving slabs will increase the load-bearing capacity of the new structure.

The remaining steel structures will be repaired as necessary and fitted with a new anti-corrosion coating. Defects in the concrete and sloping surfaces of the bridge abutments and their surroundings will be rectified, and vibration dampers will be installed in the structure to dampen vibrations caused by pedestrian traffic on the bridge. The road and pavement surfaces on the approach roads will be resurfaced, and accessible ramps will be installed on the south-side pavement, the report stated.

The announcement also outlines the timetable, according to which the renovation of the southern footpath and the carriageway will be completed by next June, followed by the reconstruction of the northern footpath and the application of corrosion protection between September and December 2027. During the works, the bridge will be closed to road traffic, but pedestrian traffic will continue uninterrupted on one of the pavements.

The schedule for the works takes into account the events planned for Hajógyári Island next year: no work will be carried out on the bridge during the Generali Gyerek Sziget event in June and the Sziget Fesztivál event in August, and pedestrian and road traffic on both sides will be maintained, they wrote.