Drivers around Budapest should prepare for lane closures and temporary traffic restrictions as extensive resurfacing works begin on 26 October on the M1–M7 shared motorway section, the M7 motorway and the M0 expressway. The works will mainly affect the areas around Budaörs, Törökbálint and Diósd, and are expected to continue in several phases until the third week of November.

Hungarian road operator Magyar Közút Nonprofit Zrt. announced the works, which will cover almost 35,000 square metres across approximately nine kilometres. Around 8,400 tonnes of asphalt are expected to be used as part of the project.

The aim is to replace deteriorating road surfaces before winter, rather than simply repair individual potholes. According to Transport and Investment Minister Dávid Vitézy, both the binder and wearing courses need to be replaced on the affected sections.

26–27 October: Lane closures near Budaörs and the M0 exit

The first phase will begin on Monday, 26 October, and continue until Tuesday, 27 October.

  • M1–M7 shared section: The middle lane will be closed on the section leading out of Budapest, near Budaörs, where the two motorways split. Traffic heading towards the M7 will use the inside lane, while traffic towards the M1 will use the outside lane.
  • M7 towards Lake Balaton: The exit leading to the M0 expressway and Road 8103 will be closed. Drivers will need to use the Érd junction as a diversion.

On 26 October, workers will mill and prepare around 1,800 square metres of road surface at the affected locations. Asphalt laying is scheduled for the following day.

27–28 October: Restrictions at the Budaörs Sport Street junction

From Tuesday, 27 October, to Wednesday, 28 October, works will affect the M7 motorway’s carriageway towards Budapest, at the Sport Street junction in Budaörs. The outer of the two deceleration lanes will be closed. Drivers will still be able to exit the motorway, but should expect possible delays as traffic passes through the restricted area.

Around 2,300 square metres of road surface will be prepared and milled before the new asphalt layers are laid.

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28–29 October: M0 junction and Budaörs access affected

Further restrictions are planned from Wednesday, 28 October, to Thursday, 29 October.

  • Near the M0 junction: The outside lane on the M7 towards Budapest will be closed for approximately 500 metres. Traffic will be able to continue in the inside lane.
  • Budaörs junction: The outer part of the acceleration lane used to join the M7 towards Budapest will be closed. However, joining the motorway will remain possible via the inner part of the acceleration lane.

Around 1,400 square metres of road surface will be prepared and milled during this phase, with asphalt laying scheduled for 29 October.

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Further motorway works planned for November

The resurfacing programme will continue at additional locations along the M7 motorway and M0 expressway in November. Magyar Közút will announce the exact dates and traffic restrictions for the later phases separately. The schedule may change depending on weather conditions and construction progress.

The road operator has warned that congestion and longer journey times are possible throughout the affected areas. Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting off and allow extra time for their journeys.

For the latest information on closures, diversions and traffic conditions, visit Útinform or check a navigation app before travelling.

Featured image: illustration, Facebook/NÚSZ