PHOTOS: Repairs, demolition scaffolding on one of the busiest and most specatular overpasses in Budapest

It has been about two months since the southern bridge at Flórián Square was closed on March 1, and work on the overpass and its surroundings has been progressing according to schedule. 

In accordance with the plans, the contractor continues to focus primarily on demolition and scaffolding work and has also begun repairing the substructures. The suspended scaffolding protecting the public road and tram tracks has already been completed. Due to traffic restrictions, BKK continues to ask travelers to use public transportation whenever possible during the renovation period, thereby reducing traffic in the area. At the same time, it advises motorists to avoid Flórián Square and use alternative routes to reach their destinations.

The renovation of the southern overpass at Flórián Square is progressing steadily and according to the preliminary schedule. Since the bridge was closed on March 1, the contractor’s experts have been primarily engaged in demolition and scaffolding work:

• taking advantage of the favorable spring weather, they have begun demolition and scaffolding work in the areas affected by the retaining wall sections, and
• they have completed the suspended protective scaffolding over the public road and tram tracks, which is now completely closed, so that nothing can fall onto the road or tracks during the renovation.

Meanwhile, the experts have started repair work on the substructure of the southern overpass:

• preservation work is being carried out on the head beams of the individual supports;
• loose, easily detachable concrete parts of the reinforced concrete surfaces are being removed;
• the remaining concrete surfaces are being repaired and reinforced with shotcrete to ensure the durability of the structure.

Experts have identified defects in the track slab

During the milling work carried out at the start of the renovation in March, defects in the reinforced concrete track slab became visible. Its condition, the depth and extent of the damage were also examined by the designers and engineers working on the renovation, and any salt contamination was measured with instruments.

The experts prepared a detailed assessment of the condition of the existing track slab, which will be used to determine exactly what repairs are needed and how they may affect the construction schedule. The aim is to select the safest and most appropriate technical solution to ensure that these overpasses, which play a significant role in the transport of the capital and its agglomeration, can continue to be used safely for decades to come.