Extraordinary announcement: Budapest’s Chain Bridge ready earlier than planned!

Gergely Karácsony (united opposition) said it was rare in Hungary that such a gigantic project finished earlier than planned. But that is what would happen with the revamp of Budapest’s illustrious Chain Bridge.

According to napi.hu, the bridge will be ready 1.5 months earlier. The capital will inaugurate and give it back to traffic on 20 August. Karácsony added that the costs would not exceed the allocated budget and would follow the original plans. Furthermore, they provided full transparency concerning the project, which is unique in Hungary, Budapest’s opposition mayor highlighted.

He said the citizens of Budapest would decide about the final traffic order of the Chain Bridge. Currently, there is a harsh clash between the government and the leadership of the capital concerning the issue. The government says the bridge should be given back to motorists to ease traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the opposition leadership of the capital sticks to the idea allowing only buses, taxis and bicycles/rollers to use the overpass. They argue the bridge does not contribute that much to the overall daily traffic crossing the Danube. Budapest residents are able to decide between the two options until 11 June.

Karácsony added passengers could use the new Pest-side promenade of the Chain Bridge this weekend. He called it the most important to allow citizens to use the Chain Bridge from 20 August, provided the authorities issue all relevant permissions.

Here is the video of Karácsony’s announcement: