Óbuda greenlights new pedestrian bridge to connect key districts

3 April 2025 – Another milestone in Óbuda’s urban development: the Budapest Metropolitan Municipality has approved construction of a new pedestrian bridge on Hajógyári Island. The bridge will link the former shipyard to the Waterfront City residential district and the northern, park-like section of Óbuda Island, creating a new pedestrian connection between currently isolated parts of the city.

The bridge will integrate directly with the ongoing Waterfront City project, which spans five hectares bordered by Folyamőr Street, Miklós Square, and Bogdáni Road. The development will include residential and commercial buildings while preserving and restoring a historically significant industrial chimney and a protected central building — reports Építész Fórum.

This project forms a key part of the Budai Promenade, a pedestrian corridor starting at Kolosy Square and extending to Main Square. Together, the promenade and the pedestrian bridge will create a human-scaled urban environment that prioritizes foot traffic.

Route and architectural concept of the bridge

The bridge is being designed by Hajnal Architectural Studio, the same firm behind the architecture of Waterfront City. It will begin at a central plaza next to the main building of the former Óbuda distillery, crossing over the HÉV suburban railway line, the riverfront road, and a Danube branch before reaching Óbuda Island. The concept design was prepared by Közlekedés Kft. and Speciálterv Engineering Ltd., while the ramps, stairs, and elevators are being designed by Hajnal Architectural Studio.

A chief goal of the project is to enhance pedestrian mobility based on the “city of short distances” principle, aiming to reduce physical separation caused by transportation infrastructure. Currently, the HÉV line and riverside road hinder direct access to the Danube and the island.