Népliget overpass in Budapest to be closed: huge traffic jams expected

It is expected that on Friday, 3 March, the works related to the condition assessment of the overpass in Népliget will enter the phase for which traffic restrictions are essential. From Friday, huge traffic jams should be expected in this area of Budapest. 

The Népliget overpass in Budapest will be closed

The overpass above the intersection of Üllői Sreet and Könyves Kálmán Boulevard will be partially closed from Friday, reports Világgazdaság. According to the preliminary information, only one lane will be available on the bridge in the direction of the city center, and both traffic lanes will be open from the city centre. The change in the traffic order is temporary, but the restriction will last until July.

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How much traffic should be expected?

The Népligeti overpass and the intersection below it are one of the busiest road sections in Budapest, therefore, the changes affect the masses. The daily traffic of the overpass is approximately 15,000 vehicles in each direction, i.e. approximately 30,000 vehicles cross the bridge in 24 hours. The closure only affects inbound traffic, so roughly half of this volume may suffer the most if one lane is lost for a longer period of time on the Népliget overpass, writes magyarnemzet.hu.

“It is likely that some of the traffic heading north on Üllői Street will continue its journey on the Könyves Kálmán Boulevard instead of the overpass. On Üllői Street, in the morning and afternoon rush hours, you can expect larger queues and slower traffic.”, Budapest Közút told Világgazdaság.

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How much will the demolition of the Népliget overpass cost?

The contract value of the works required for a detailed assessment of the condition of the Népligeti overpass is almost HUF 185 million (EUR 48,678,764). The same company is carrying out the demolition of the Népliget overpass as the one that is also renovating the Chain Bridge.

The closure of the overpass is necessary because a detailed examination of the condition of the artifact handed over in 1978 has begun. In relation to the 45-year-old bridge, Budapest Közút emphasized that it is still possible to drive safely on it, taking into account the weight restrictions in force: vehicles heavier than 12 tons are not allowed to drive over it, and in the case of buses operated by BKK, those over 19 tons will be banned too.

Source: Magyar Nemzet, Világgazdaság