VIDEO: Iconic bridge of Budapest, the Chain Bridge, has changed a lot in one year
In mid-December, the roadbed of the more than 150-year-old Chain Bridge was reopened, finally allowing traffic to cross Budapest’s iconic bridge again. A video of the renovation work in progress was also made, showing the spectacular changes.
Although the renovation is still ongoing, some users can already use the reopened Chain Bridge. MagyarÉpítők’s video crew captured this special moment the day before the opening, showing the last day before the bridge enters another phase of its life.
Read alsoVIDEO, PHOTOS: Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge reopened today!
The change from last year is very striking and is best seen by comparing it to last year’s video. The refurbishment of the Chain Bridge is not yet complete, but the progress is impressive, as this comparison shows: a qualitative change in the last year at the capital’s iconic crossing.
VIDEO, PHOTOS: Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge reopened today!
Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony reopened the capital city’s landmark Chain Bridge undergoing reconstruction to buses, taxis, motorbikes and bicycles on Friday afternoon.
“Let the Chain Bridge be a bridge between the present and the future, a bridge reconnecting the city’s Pest and Buda sides and reconnecting a divided, fragmented country,” Karácsony said at the event.
The mayor thanked the designers, the construction company and the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) for their work carried out so far, as well as Budapest residents for their patience bearing with the inconvenience caused by the renovation.
He also thanked the government for its work, saying that “the government ought to share such a joint success as the renovation of the Chain Bridge”.
The bridge will reopen to pedestrians once the upgrade’s last phase is completed which is expected in the late summer of 2023, Karácsony said, adding that the city will also seek the opinion of Budapest’s residents in finalising the operation of transport services on the bridge.
László Sal, the chief executive of the construction company A-Hid, said 80 percent of the reconstruction work has been completed which involved reinforcing 20 tonnes of metal structure, installing 900 tonnes of steel grids, polishing stone surfaces and adding new anti-corrosion coating to the chains.
Katalin Walter, BKK’s CEO, said that the bridge reopened for temporary traffic as planned 548 days after its full closure in June last year.
The 26.75 billion forint (EUR 65m) renovation of the Chain Bridge and its immediate vicinity is expected to be completed by next autumn, in time for celebrations marking the anniversary of the formation of Budapest on November 17.
Here is a video of the press conference:
Chain Bridge to reopen for traffic on Friday! – Here are the details
Budapest’s landmark Chain Bridge under reconstruction will reopen to buses, taxis, motorbikes and bicycles on December 16 in the afternoon, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) said on Tuesday.
A ban for cars to use the bridge will remain in effect, BKK said in a statement. In an effort to promote the use of public transport, BKK will operate daytime and nighttime bus services crossing the bridge along a route to connect the Buda and Pest sides of the capital city more frequently, the company said.
The bridge will reopen to pedestrians once the upgrade’s last phase is completed which is expected in the autumn of 2023, BKK said, adding that the reconstruction was going according to schedule.
The 26.75 billion forint (EUR 65m) renovation of the Chain Bridge and its immediate vicinity began in spring 2021 and is expected to be completed by next autumn, in time for celebrations marking the anniversary of the formation of Budapest on November 17.
Read alsoVIDEO, PHOTOS: bridge load testing on Budapest’s emblematic Chain Bridge
Traffic will return to Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge soon
According to the mayor of Budapest, the revamp of Hungary’s emblematic Chain Bridge follows the timeline. That is unique in Hungary, considering the frequent delays multiple construction and reconstruction projects tackle. Therefore, traffic may return to the iconic Budapest overpass popular among all foreign tourists soon.
Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, said in a Facebook post this morning that buses, taxis and cyclists could return to the bridge in mid-December. That is because the revamp project of the bridge follows the original timeline and budget as well.
He wrote that last week’s bridge load testing was successful and the first milestone of the revamp project, the renewal of the overpass’s roadway would be completed in a week. Therefore, they decided to give the bridge back to traffic before Christmas.
Read alsoVIDEO, PHOTOS: bridge load testing on Budapest’s emblematic Chain Bridge
Karácsony said that the Chain Bridge is a symbol of the city’s unity and its civic development. He also suggested that the history of its building and financing may be exemplary even today since wealthy Hungarians put together the money and created an iconic national treasure. He added they would like the new Chain Bridge to be a gift to Budapest on the 150th anniversary of the city’s foundation. That was celebrated yesterday since the day of the unification was 17th November 1873.
Karácsony said they had not yet decided about the future of the Chain Bridge. Before, the iconic overpass of Budapest often saw traffic jams, so it is not clear whether private cars should be enabled to use it again. Many NGOs would not want that, so they turned to the municipal council, Karácsony admitted.
Karácsony said they would give the bridge back to public transport, taxis and cyclists in December. The next phase of the renovation will be the revamp of pedestrian sections. Based on the plans, people will get back their beloved overpass in autumn 2023.
Read alsoPHOTOS: The iconic limestone lions of the Budapest’s Chain Bridge are back!
Until then, the municipal council will increase the number of buses on the bridge (16, 105 and 178). Furthermore, they will initiate a new line to use the Chain Bridge when there are no traffic jams.
He cleared that the municipal council would decide about the traffic pattern of the bridge in summer 2023. Before, they will ask the residents of Budapest about their opinion on the issue.
VIDEO, PHOTOS: bridge load testing on Budapest’s emblematic Chain Bridge
The bridge load testing of Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge was successful today afternoon. The test was carried out with 24 trucks weighing 20 tonnes each. It aimed to discover the capacity of the overpass. Based on the first results, the test was successful, and its revamp will continue following the schedule and the budget allocated by the municipal council and the Hungarian government.
Important milestone in the Chain Bridge revamp project
On 12 November, experts carried out a static and dynamic bridge load test. Experts measured what deformations trucks weighing 20 tonnes would cause in the overpass’s structure. Furthermore, they wanted to know how the bridge “behaves” if multiple heavy vehicles cross it with a speed of 5 km/h, 20 km/h, 30 km/h, and 50 km/h.
Professionals of the Department of Bridges and Structures at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics carried out the test. They used 24 trucks weighing 20 tonnes each placing them in 12 different positions on the bridge. For example, the drivers halted them in one then in two rows. Another time, 12 of them occupied the overpass. In the next phase, all of them did so.
Careful measures and evaluation
Meanwhile, they measured the bridge structure’s shifts from the overpass and the Danube embankments with a 0.5 mm precise geodetic apparatus.
Here is the device and the experts:
They placed strain gauges on the chain coils, suspensions, old structures and the new steel elements of the bridge. Afterwards, they measured the deformations and tensions the trucks created in the overpass’s structure. Furthermore, they monitored the shifts in the so-called “koronasaru”, an element on the top of the Buda pillar of the bridge.
Read alsoPHOTOS: The iconic limestone lions of the Budapest’s Chain Bridge are back!
Experts did not yet finish the complex evaluation of the results. But based on the preliminary report, the test was successful. The measured figures equalled the previously calculated ones.
Here is a video about what exactly happened:
The revamp of the Chain Bridge started in 2021 spring and is carried out by A-Híd Ltd. 2023 spring will see the end of the project, the plans say. On 9 November, the asphalting of the Chain Bridge in Budapest was completed in one day. Furthermore, on 10 November, the limestone lions guarding the overpass returned.
Here are some additional photos about the bridge load testing:
Read alsoAsphalt paving on Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge completed in one day — PHOTO GALLERY
Budapest’s renewed Chain Bridge to remain closed for cars?
Budapest’s iconic landmark, the Chain Bridge, had been closed to traffic for 1.5 years because of its revamp. However, it seems it may remain closed for cars even after the project is complete. Here are the details.
16 December will be an important milestone in the revamp project of Budapest’s Chain Bridge. Based on the plans, the bridge will be opened for public transport that day. Passengers and cyclists will also be able to “take back” the bridge later, but cars and drivers may not.
Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of Budapest, told telex.hu that the arguments of green and civil groups to ban private cars from the Chain Bridge are considerable. Karácsony added that car traffic on Hungary’s first permanent Danube bridge is low compared to other overpasses, but it is crucial for the public traffic network.
The municipal council said they would allow buses nr 16, 105 and 178 to return to the bridge after its revamp finishes. However, the bridge will be completely ready in the second half of 2023. Therefore, they still have time to decide the fate of the car traffic on Hungary’s most spectacular overpass.
Read alsoPHOTOS: The iconic limestone lions of the Budapest’s Chain Bridge are back!
PHOTOS: The iconic limestone lions of the Budapest’s Chain Bridge are back!
The iconic limestone lions flanking the bridgehead of the Chain Bridge in Buda are being restored to their rightful place on Tuesday after repair work on the statues was carried out as part of the bridge’s renovation.
The landmark bridge is expected to be reopened to traffic by the mid-December deadline, while the entire project to upgrade the bridge and its immediate vicinity will be completed by next autumn, in time for celebrations marking the anniversary of the formation of Budapest on Nov. 17.
Restorers have removed the dirt from the statues and rebuilt missing parts, including their tongue and worn teeth.
At the site, further work will be carried out to cement the three sections of each statue together again before creating an outer “skin” and protective coating.
The 26.75 billion forint (EUR 65m) renovation of the Chain Bridge began in spring 2021, with a central government contribution of 6 billion forints contingent on the project being completed on time.
Gergely Karacsony, the mayor of Budapest, who was joined by officials connected with the bridge’s renovation at the Buda bridgehead, told journalists that his administration had fufilled all the conditions necessary to receive the government’s support.
The statues on the Pest bridgehead will be put in place later today.
- read mroe news abour Chain Bridge revamp
Read alsoPHOTOS: Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge ready soon, lions to return
PHOTOS: Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge ready soon, lions to return
Hungary and Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge has been under revamp since March 2021. According to the plans, it will be ready by spring 2023, but the road will be given back to the public at the end of this year. Here are some photos of the crucial milestones the revamp project reached recently.
Budapest’s “new” Chain Bridge
The renewal of the Chain Bridge built by Count István Széchenyi, the “greatest Hungarian”, is being completed following the schedule. In the last few weeks, the workers put the Széchenyi-Lánczhíd inscription on the Pest side pedestals where the bridge’s “guarding” lion statues sit. Interestingly, the statue pedestals were demolished by the retreating German forces during the siege of Budapest in January 1945. The new Communist leadership of Hungary ordered them to be rebuilt, but the implementers used techniques and materials available at the time.
Here are some further achievements:
- the Hungarian coat of arms with the Holy Crown on both sides of the Pest gate and the lion heads above the gate arch is restored
- the stone surfaces of the Pest pylon are almost ready
- the lion statues restored will return this autumn.
Pestbuda.hu said the bridge’s road would reopen for traffic this December.
Read alsoBuildings of the Hungarian National Museum close and that is good news
“The granite slabs covering the pedestals have now been renovated, and the inscription “Széchenyi-Lánczhíd” has been engraved and is now being gilded, which they could not do during its reconstruction after World War II”, pestbuda.hu says. Interestingly, the inscription on the statue pedestal on the north side of the Pest bridgehead will be modified following instructions of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA). But the Budapest Transport Company (BKK) did not share what the amendment would be.
As soon as the pedestals on the Pest side of the crossing are ready, the lions guarding the bridge will return.
Read alsoDrastic change: crisis and war overturn the prices of Hungarian apartments
Lion heads, pylon, Holy Crown, rosettes
Moreover, experts and specialists are finishing the stone surfaces of the Pest pylon. “The lion heads on the gates of Pest and the coats of arms above them were beautified, and the restorers worked on their renewal on site from the scaffolding surrounding the gates”, pestbuda.hu said.
Additionally, the following project elements were finished:
- the heavily tainted, lion-headed capstones of the bridge’s gate openings were cleaned from the black layer it covered with a special chemical technique,
- sixty small rosettes and twenty-six larger decorative casts were painted in the Chain Bridge’s new colour, blue-grey.
The pylon’s renovated granite and limestone parts are being repainted and treated to be water-repellent.
BKK wrote that the renovation project follows the schedule. The work started in the spring of 2021 and is carried out by A-Híd Zrt. It is planned to be completed by 2023, but the road will be given back for traffic by December 2022.
PHOTO REPORT: new appearance of Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge exposed
Traffic may return to Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge by the end of this year, Gergely Karácsony, the mayor of the Hungarian capital, wrote in a post shared on his Facebook page.
The revamp project of the Chain Bridge started in the spring of 2021, the implementer is a Hungarian company, A-Híd Ltd. Based on the plans, the work will end in 2023. But the road on the bridge is scheduled to be finished this December. Therefore, cars and buses may return soon.
In August, the company finished the reconstruction works of some key structural elements crucial to stabilize the bridge above the Buda wharf. Thus, traffic could return to the wharves on August 22, bkk.hu reported.
In September, the company continued to take out the original bridge’s remains from the Danube. That is part of the revamp project. The German troops demolished the original Chain Bridge during the siege of Budapest in February 1945. Since the bridge was one of the top targets of the Soviet artillery and the Anglosaxon bombers during the war, authorities cleared the Danube bed near it from ammunition and metal scraps.
Read alsoBudapest’s Chain Bridge is accessible again! – PHOTOS
That part of the project is helped by divers and tracked excavators. Meanwhile, A-Híd finished the roadway and its insulation on the bridge, Karácsony said.
Here are some additional photos:
Budapest’s Chain Bridge is accessible again! – PHOTOS
A major milestone has been reached in the renovation of the Chain Bridge: the new steel roadway has been completed in record time, replacing the old, ageing reinforced concrete roadway. The inset roadbeds form a continuous section along the entire length of the bridge, making it possible to walk along the Chain Bridge. The bridge deck is expected to be open to traffic by the end of the year. Read more below.
Less than a year after the demolition of the track structure began, and only 11 months after the first steel element of the new roadway was installed, 94 steel track panels were installed along the entire length of the Chain Bridge, replacing the reinforced concrete structure. These steel plates, stiffened by trapezoidal ribs – known as orthotropic – are much lighter than their predecessors, reducing the bridge’s self-weight and allowing the steel to be better combined with the remaining elements of the historic Chain Bridge. The installation of the elements started in the middle of the bridge, where the demolition work began, and then proceeded in two directions, writes BKK.
Major stone work on the tram underpass is now complete
The steelwork repairs are still continuing in the coastal openings, but between the two piers the new steel elements, the repaired remaining structures and the protection of the lower section of the chains against corrosion are nearing completion. Corrosion protection work on this section of the painting dams is now 80 percent complete.
Major on-site stone works, timed to coincide with the replacement of trams 2 and 2M, were successfully completed next to the Pest tram underpass. The parapet walls and the stone surfaces of the adjoining walkway have been cleaned, the gaps have been filled and new plinth stones have been laid. The broken stones on the front wall of the tram tunnel have been repaired and replaced, and the renovated balustrades on the south side are being replaced.
The renovation of the Chain Bridge could not be postponed any longer, so the reconstruction of the Danube crossing by A-Híd Zrt. started in spring 2021. The modernisation of one of Hungary’s most important cultural heritage sites and landmarks is scheduled to last until 2023, but the roadway will be completed by the end of this year.
Budapest to relaunch ferry system tomorrow – here is everything you should know!
Last year, due to the Chain Bridge renovations, which are still in progress, the Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK) shut down its ferry system. However, get ready to board the ships and sail the Danube once again, as the Budapest ferry system is relaunching. Read below to find out everything you have to know to be up-to-date.
In July 2021, renovations on the Chain Bridge began. With this grand project came the temporary closure of the boat round trip, specifically, the ports on both sides of the bridge were shut down, as reported by Menedzsment Fórum. BKK published an official announcement on their website, saying that beginning from 6 December 2021, the piers on Akadémia and Jégverem utca would be temporarily closed.
Nevertheless, the restoration project has now reached the point where it is perfectly safe for citizens to cross under the bridge.
On 29 April, the Budapest ferry system officially reopens its doors for anyone eager for a boat ride.
The collaboration between BKK and Mahart PassNave, similarly to the years before, will relaunch boats on the round trip between Margaret Island and the National Theatre, announced Indóház Online. Starting from Friday 29 April, the ports on Vigadó tér, Akadémia utca, Margaret Island, Batthyány tér, and Vigadó tér will resume their regural operations.
Boats will be active from Tuesday to Sunday, between 12 pm and 8 pm. On Mondays, the ferry system does not operate. Boats will set off every 2 hours.
Tickets and pricing
Those in possession of a BKK monthly or annual pass will be able to board from Tuesday to Thursday without any further expenses. Certain reduced fares, however, will not be available on the ferry, such as free boarding for people under the age of 14 or over the age of 65. The reason behind this is that the ferry round trip is not a part of the Budapest public service. If you do not have a Budapest pass, you may buy a daily ticket for around €4 (1,500 Ft), which will allow you to use the service an unlimited number of times.
Do note, however, that on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, all passengers must pay for the daily ticket. Children under the age of 7 will be able to use the service free of charge.
Continue reading “Budapest to relaunch ferry system tomorrow – here is everything you should know!”
Budapest’s Széchenyi Square soon to be renovated! – PHOTOS
In the vicinity of the Chain Bridge, a new renovation project will start soon in the heart of the Hungarian capital. Let’s see the latest visual plans of renewing Széchenyi Square!
Széchenyi Square is located in the 5th district of Budapest, at the Pest foot of the Chain Bridge, and is part of the Danube Bend World Heritage Site. The Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Roosevelt Office Building, the Gresham Palace, the Ministry of the Interior and the Sofitel Budapest Chain Bridge Hotel are located here.
Based on the latest news,
the renovation of Budapest’s iconic square will start soon in order to catch up with the renewal of the Chain Bridge and the Pest quays.
According to Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest, the Municipal Assembly has already provided the necessary funds for the implementation to the Centre for Budapest Transport (BKK).
As a result of the project, new pedestrian walkways will be created between the Basilica and the Chain Bridge, in front of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and towards Kossuth Square. In addition, conditions for cycling will be improved, as well as new green areas will be created in the area. As the Hungarian news portal Portfolio reports, during the reconstruction, the current roundabout-like road design will be simplified, allowing vehicles to follow a shorter, more logical route.
Presumably, the renovation project can be completed by the beginning of 2023, similarly to the renewal of the Pest quays.
In the vicinity of Széchenyi Square, the renovation of the Chain Bridge reached another important milestone last weekend. According to the Hungarian news portal 24.hu, the scaffolding surrounding the Pest side of the Chain Bridge has been completed, and the scaffolding builders are already at work on the Buda side. From now on, major stonework on site can begin.
In the next period, 120 small rosettes will be dismantled and refurbished, and a total of about 4,400 square metres of granite and limestone will be cleaned and repaired.
The four lion heads and the coats of arms will be refurbished on-site, supervised and managed by restorers and conservationists.
Read alsoThis is how the renovation of the iconic Chain Bridge continues – PHOTO GALLERY
This is how the renovation of the iconic Chain Bridge continues – PHOTO GALLERY
We have published many reports about the ongoing renovation works of Hungary’s iconic Chain Bridge. The project started in June 2021 because experts said in 2019 that the bridge was no longer safe. The leadership of Budapest plans to inaugurate the renewed bridge in 2023 at the latest. That is because they would like to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Budapest’s birth with the new Chain Bridge.
As we reported before, the Hungarian A-Híd Ltd. is renovating the patinated capital bridge. The company with the largest Hungarian bridge-building history won the public tender for the project for a net amount of EUR 52.9 million (~HUF 18.8 billion). Within the framework of the renovation, the following works will be carried out:
- the road surface will be completely reconstructed;
- the remaining steel structures will be repaired and provided with corrosion protection;
- the pedestrian barriers will be renovated;
- bridge accessories (bridge shoes, expansion elements, walkways) will be renewed;
- stone lions, stone coats of arms, stone inscriptions, and stone surfaces will be renovated;
- the ventilation structures on the Buda side will be modernised;
- the insulation of both the Buda and Pest anchoring chambers will be renewed;
- the flood protection system of the chambers will also be built.
They will also take care of the riverbed arrangement while working with the highest quality and greatest care on the 172-year-old monument. This phase will include the Danube riverbed and the modernisation of navigational signals (construction of active radar), the reconstruction of pedestrian underpasses and stairs, and the renovation and utilisation of bridgeheads.
According to Magyar Építők, the contractors showed the progress they made and shared details about the current phases. They also included how the extreme cold weather affects their work. In December, work was finished by putting the last steel track plate into place.
Magyar Építők said that the workers use technologies adequate for the weather. Furthermore, they try to progress with project elements that can be completed under the surface, inside the bastions or in the chain tunnel. For example, they provide heated tents for their workers to weld. As a result,
they can work without any interruption.
The contractors are adapting the working conditions and working environment to the winter, the strong wind, the freezing temperatures, and the early dusk.
In the heated tents, they continuously provide the necessary temperature. As a result, they can pre-heat the materials they use. Beneath the bridge, they also created heated areas to continue correcting the defects of the bridge structure. Those working outdoors are provided more time to spend in heated areas and can receive hot drinks. Of course, A-Híd calculated with the cold weather. Thus,
they planned the elements of the project to be carried out during winter.
On the Pest side, they are working in the chain tunnel and chamber. There, they are completing the corrosion protection of the structure. They started injecting in the chain chamber and tunnel on the Buda side. This means that the coating will defend the material from getting wet.
The contractors
already put the first elements of the new sidewalk in their place.
They will build 100 of them between the two pillars of the bridge. Most of these units are ready, and many are already on site. Furthermore, they built a new inspection walkway under the bridge. That will be crucial for the bridge master, who will do the prescribed analysis by walking on it.
Additional elements of the project include:
- building new tunnels for pedestrians and bikers in the Pest and Buda bridgeheads;
- renewing the limestone coating of the bastions and tunnels;
- on the Pest side, they are working on scaffolding the front gate.
Additional photos of the Chain Bridge revamp:
Special thanks to Magyar Építők for allowing us to use their photos.
Read alsoThis is how the renovation of the iconic Chain Bridge continues – PHOTO GALLERY
New milestone in the renovation of Budapest Chain Bridge – PHOTOS
This week, the last steel track plate has been put into place at the arch of the Budapest Chain Bridge. Accordingly, the renovation project of the capital city’s iconic bridge is closing a productive year.
As we previously reported, the reconstruction work of the Chain Bridge started this spring as it could not be delayed any longer. Since then, the majority of the elements have been replaced. And now the reconstruction has reached another milestone. At a press event on Tuesday,
the last new steel track plate was put into place at the arch of the Budapest Chain Bridge.
As the Centre of Budapest Transport (BKK) reports, the reinstallation work of the aging reinforced concrete replacement deck structure began at the middle of the Budapest Chain Bridge. The first new steel deck was delivered to the site at the end of July and lifted onto the bridge by a tower crane, before being installed on the Chain Bridge in August.
The steel track plate having been put into place this week was the last element on the section between the two bridge piers. The element – which is 11 metres long and 3.5 metres wide, and weighs 8 tonnes – was transported to the bridge by a special track system with a specifically designed, custom-made bucking crane.
Renovation works on the bridge and its surroundings have been ongoing since spring 2021. According to BKK, coordinating the workflow is a huge engineering challenge. It requires a systematic approach on the site, in the steel structure factory and in the architect office, as most of the elements are manufactured and installed on site.
The most important milestones this year
In February, the Budapest Transport Centre and A-Híd Plc, the winner of the public procurement procedure, signed the contract so that the renovation of Budapest’s most important cultural heritage site could finally begin. One month later, the pavement and the surrounding areas were closed to pedestrian traffic. In spring, the contractor took over the entire site and the work began with the de-metalling and demining of the waterfront of the Budapest Chain Bridge and the reconstruction of the Clark Adam Square. In June, the crossing and its surroundings were completely closed to pedestrian and road traffic, and the actual construction work on the site started. Later on, a giant Turkish-era cannonball was lifted from the water below the Chain Bridge which was followed the completion on the de-metalling work around the crossing. In July, the renovation reached its most spectacular stage, with the demolition of the bridge’s deck structure. One month later, the stone ornaments decorating the bridge decks were removed, and the installation of the new deck structure began. In September, the first section of the renovated chain was completed, displaying the renewed colour of the bridge, and the demolition of the Buda underpass began. Last month, the reinforced concrete structure of the new Buda underpass has been concreted and half of the underpass on the Pest side of the bridge has been demolished. And finally at the end of the year, the last new steel track plate has been put into place at the arch of the Budapest Chain Bridge.
The renovation project of one of Hungary’s most important cultural heritage sites is projected to last until 2023.
According to BKK, similar work processes can be expected next year as well. The complete renovation of the crossing, which started this spring, has been already scheduled. The bridge deck is projected to open for road traffic within a year.
Read alsoThe stone lions of the iconic Budapest Chain Bridge are being renovated! – PHOTOS
The stone lions of the iconic Budapest Chain Bridge are being renovated! – PHOTOS
The restoration of one of the most iconic bridges of Budapest has started back in the middle of June this year, and it is expected to be finished by 2023.
The Chain Bridge is one of the most iconic and well-known bridges in Hungary, in no small part thanks to its gigantic bridgeheads guarding the bridge against evildoers.
According to Hellómagyar, these massive stone beasts are having a make-over, and restorers have been working on the ornate lions for months now. According to the plans, the lions will reconquer their royal spots in December 2022.
The lion of the Chain Bridge was lifted — VIDEO, PHOTOS
Renovating the iconic lions – which even hide an urban legend – is taking so long because of how carefully and meticulously the restorers are working on them. They have to assess their condition, clean their surface, fix the damage and discolourations, disinfect them, and try to find previously fixed spots.
To find where restorers might have put in filling materials before, the experts have to use hammers and listen to the sound of the material. They will then produce a detailed map of the imperfections.
Before the lions can be taken into a workshop to fix the cracks and broken-off parts, they have to be cleaned outdoors. For broken-off parts, the restorers might make carbon fibre joints, for example, in the case of their teeth.
Cubic metres worth of bird droppings, thousands of locks collected from the Chain Bridge!
The restorers can only add elements to the statues that can be proven to have existed before, and they also need to preserve some of the marks of time. They cannot just make the statues anew.
The lions from the Pest side are already in a workshop, but the other half are still waiting to be cleaned. Because of the cold weather, they need to wait until spring to be cleaned. Until then, they will spend the winter outdoors.
Interestingly, the lions each weigh over 12 tonnes. They are made up of three blocks of limestone that weigh 2.8, 5.5, and 4.3 tonnes respectively.
Good news! Renovation of the Chain Bridge is going as planned – PHOTOS!
Experts are continuously working on the renovation of the Chain Bridge, Centre for Budapest Transport says. According to plans, the modernisation of this iconic piece will be finished by 2023.
The renovation is currently at the following stages:
- The chains’ protection against rust and the installation of new steel plates is ongoing.
- The old, reinforced concrete is being demolished.
- Between the pillars, new steel structures are being built under the sidewalks.
- The new structure of the underpass is getting filled with concrete.
Read alsoThe new colour of the Chain Bridge is now visible – video, pictures
The new colour of the Chain Bridge is now visible – video, pictures
The restoration and modernisation of the more than 150-year-old Chain Bridge has been going on for months and will continue for years. A video has been produced showing the most important moments.
Thousands of defects are being repaired on the 380-metre-long bridge, a special crane is being used to work on it, the capital’s citizens can now see its new colour and the metal elements of the deck are being installed. The Magyar Építők video team has summarised the progress of this major project in a minute and a half.
As the first section of the chain in the track opening has been renewed, the elements have been treated and painted to protect them against rust. The “new” colour of the Chain Bridge (bluish-grey) is already showing, and the aim was to make it as similar as possible to the old one.
Latest photos
Photo: BKK 
Photo: BKK 
Photo: BKK
- The lion of the Chain Bridge was lifted — VIDEO, PHOTOS
Read alsoGood news! Renovation of the Chain Bridge is going as planned – PHOTOS!
Good news! Renovation of the Chain Bridge is going as planned – PHOTOS!
Restoring the famous Chain Bridge of Budapest is going as planned. The remaining steel structure of the Chain Bridge is inspected at thousands of points, which is followed by on-site repairs carried out by specialists based on individual plans.
Experts working on the renovation of the Chain Bridge will examine one hundred and five pieces of the cross holders alone. Experts will make a map of all the errors that need to be repaired. According to this, thousands of errors might need to be corrected, writes lanchid.hu.
At first, it was believed that mainly contamination and humidity took a toll on the bridge, but it was discovered that
a part of the support structure had been deformed because a ship had previously collided with the bridge.
Architects are working under strict coordination, writes magyarepitok.hu. It is important to go forward with the work at the construction site, in the factory that makes the steel structure, and in the design office. After professionals decide what works are necessary, separate plans are made and carefully executed.
The parts for the renovation and the elements to be replaced are individually manufactured.
After initial restorations are done, the so-called orthotropic steel plates reinforced with trapezoidal ribs, which replace the old reinforced concrete, will be put in place. Under the new elements, professionals will continue working on the remaining structure from the scaffolding under the bridge.
Workers are dedicating the utmost care to all phases of the work renovating the Chain Bridge. At underpasses, professionals are testing the materials to reveal the possible defects of the reinforced concrete structures when they demolish the old underpasses.
The renovation of the Chain Bridge, one of the most well-known landmarks of Budapest, will be finished in 2023. The renovation is an impressive project, based on the bridge’s parameters. The bridge is 380.02 metres and has a width of 14.5 metres. It was built between 1839 and 1849.
Here is how Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge will look after the revamp – PHOTOS
The reconstruction of the Chain Bridge is progressing as planned. The process reached a new cornerstone yesterday: the first chain segment, where one can see the new colour of the bridge, is finally ready. Furthermore, the demolishing of the Buda underpass started.
According to bkk.hu, the revamp of the Chain Bridge reached a cornerstone. The first chain segment received protection against rust and was also painted. Therefore, one can see the “new” colour of Budapest’s iconic and oldest bridge. Experts tried to choose one that resembles the “original” colour of the Chain Bridge. Check out below how successful they were in that:
First, experts renewed 14 chain piles and the suspension rods attached to them. They put
three layers of paint
on: the primer, the intermediate, and the colour. The latter is bluish grey, so that will be the “new colour” of the bridge.
Workers are proceeding with corrosion protection from the upper levels to the lower ones. Furthermore, they will use a special anti-corrosion material in the meeting points of the chains which can follow the movement of the chain elements flexibly. The total surface to be protected reaches 23 thousand square metres.
Passengers and bikers will be able to commute safer
The contractor started the demolishing of the reinforced concrete framework of the Buda underpass to recreate it bigger and safer. The plans contain a
bidirectional bike lane and a 1.75-metre-wide pavement.
In August, the contractor took down the aged reinforced concrete plates of the bridge and put new ones in their places. The structures they discover during the revamp are being continuously mended if needed. They will renew the cast-iron handrails as well.
The deadline for the project is 2023.
