Expansion of M1 motorway in Hungary reaches a new milestone – PHOTOS

MKIF Plc. is leading Hungary’s most ambitious motorway restoration to date, with substantial upgrades underway on the M1 motorway. Aiming to modernise nearly half of Hungary’s motorway network by 2025, the project includes comprehensive resurfacing, lane expansion, and safety improvements. Key upgrades to the M1 motorway include a widened layout, a new central barrier, enhanced greenery, and upgraded rest areas—all set to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents along this critical route. Here’s how the project’s going.

Historic expansion of M1 motorway

As we have reported HERE, MKIF Plc. has embarked on Hungary’s largest-ever motorway restoration, maintaining 1,237 km of roads, including extensive work on the M1 motorway. Since 2022, nearly 4 million square metres of new asphalt have been laid across the network, aiming to modernise 43% of the highways by 2025. Unlike typical resurfacing, this initiative tackles both surface and underlying layers to prevent recurring damage, addressing long-term wear. On the M1 motorway, unexpected repairs were needed due to structural issues, ensuring future durability. Environmental efforts are also central, with MKIF securing permits to relocate protected plant species along the M1 motorway.

Photo:: Szeder László/Wikimedia Commons

The first milestone

Portfolio writes that the test piling has recently commenced along sections of the M1 motorway, assessing soil-bearing capacity for the reconstruction of bridges and overpasses required for the motorway’s expansion. According to MKIF Plc., these preliminary works will not lead to any traffic restrictions at this stage. Full-scale construction on the M1 motorway widening project, set to add lanes between the M0 motorway and Concó rest area, is scheduled to begin by 1 September 2025. Over a four-year period, approximately 80 km of the motorway will be expanded to 2×3 lanes, complete with intelligent hard shoulders (ITS) for improved traffic flow and safety.

Maintaining greenery

As part of the upcoming M1 motorway widening project, set to begin in autumn 2025, hedges in the central dividing strip will be replaced with a concrete barrier featuring drainage, while new trees and shrubs will be planted closer to the fence to maintain greenery. The project prioritises road safety, aiming to ensure smooth traffic flow on the existing 2×2 lanes and reduce accident risks. Plans include the potential introduction of average speed checks and additional traffic cameras. Furthermore, rest areas along the M1 motorway will undergo significant renovations to improve facilities for travellers.

Here are some photos that MKIF Plc. has shared about the process:

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