Historic expansion set for M1 motorway in Hungary: 2×3 lane widening project launches

The long-awaited expansion and enhancement of the M1 motorway between Budapest and Győr will commence this autumn with preparatory work, marking the start of a significant improvement project by MKIF Plc. The project aims to transform an 80-kilometre stretch into a 2×3 lane motorway by 2029, complete with intelligent hard shoulders (ITS) that can open based on traffic needs or emergencies. MKIF Plc. CEO Tamás Németh shared details on the upgrades and the company’s wider infrastructure development program.

A national road improvement initiative

The M1 motorway. Photo: Szeder László/Wikimedia Commons

MKIF Plc., tasked with maintaining 1,237 km of Hungary’s motorways since September 2022, has been executing Hungary’s largest-ever motorway restoration project, Magyar Építők reports. Within two years, a substantial part of the national network has been upgraded, with nearly 4 million square meters of new asphalt installed by the end of 2023. This comprehensive approach avoids mere patchwork repairs by tackling extensive, layered resurfacing, as the company prepares to modernise 43% of the highways it operates by 2025, to meet rigorous standards stipulated by the state.

M1 motorway: Beyond surface repairs

Németh emphasised that this is far more than a standard resurfacing project. Roadway base layers have been inspected and, in many cases, replaced, addressing structural damage from decades of wear. MKIF Plc. assumes all risk for unexpected complications in deeper road layers, which may require additional material or time. On the M1 motorway, unplanned repairs were necessary due to underestimations of road durability until the planned expansion date, which added complexity but will ensure long-term reliability.

Environmental and safety considerations

The project includes a significant environmental component. Special permits have been obtained to transplant protected plant species from affected areas along the M1 motorway. Furthermore, invasive shrubs and small wooded areas, which hinder expansion, will be removed and replaced with new compensatory forests, meeting legal and ecological standards.

Plans also address the removal of hedges in the central median, which have been linked to increased maintenance costs and traffic risks. Replacing these with concrete barriers will improve safety and reduce the need for disruptive maintenance. Additional greenery, including trees and shrubs, will be planted closer to the highway perimeter to preserve a green buffer for motorists.

Utility and archaeological preparations

Proper handling of underground utilities is critical to keeping the project on schedule. Crews are currently verifying the placement of utilities, followed by plans for relocation or reinforcement to avoid delays during the main construction phase. Archaeological surveys are another crucial aspect; experts have already been engaged to prevent potential disruptions should significant findings emerge.

Roads and bridges: Preparing for expansion

With numerous bridges and overpasses along the M1 motorway, particularly near Budapest, bridge upgrades will be essential to accommodate the new 3-lane structure. Initial load-bearing tests will take place this year, paving the way for larger-scale bridge reconstruction in 2025.

Traffic implications during preparations

While preparatory activities will undoubtedly impact traffic, steps are being taken to ensure minimal disruption. As construction advances, MKIF Plc. plans to implement dynamic traffic management solutions to keep lanes open as much as possible and facilitate a smooth flow of vehicles along one of Hungary’s busiest corridors.

With preparatory work set to conclude by September 2025, the M1 expansion will soon become a visible part of Hungary’s motorway landscape, advancing a major goal in national infrastructure development.

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