VIDEO, PHOTOS: Hungary’s 3rd musical road debuts

Hungary’s third musical road has been constructed along Route 21 between Hatvan and Lőrinci in Heves County.

The 550-meter-long acoustic section was officially opened on 5 September. As cars drive over it, the road now plays “Nélküled” (“Without You”), a hit song by the Hungarian band Ismerős Arcok (“Familiar Faces”).

The section of the main road No 21 with music pavement between Hatvan and Lőrinci on 5 September 2024. Driving on the ribs of the pavement, the melodies of the song “Nélküled” by the band Ismerős Arcok can be heard at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Photo: MTI/Zoltán Máthé

According to Magyar Építők, the project was carried out by HE-DO under the direction of the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. The musical road is part of a larger series of developments along different sections of Route 21.

Hungary’s 3 musical roads

Hungary now boasts three musical roads. In addition to this latest stretch, there is a musical road on Route 67 that plays Republic’s song “A 67-es út,” and on Route 37, drivers can hear the traditional Hungarian folk song “Érik a szőlő”.

The original plan was to build the third musical road in Nógrád County, but after assessing several locations, it was determined that it would be too disruptive for nearby households.

To create the musical effect, the asphalt is specially grooved and painted to produce notes as cars pass over. The pitch of the notes is determined by the spacing of the grooves, while the clarity of the sound depends on the precision of the markings.

Check out some photos and a video of the newest musical road below:

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• Hungary’s first singing road — VIDEO