Budapest half marathon shuts down major roads: Traffic restrictions across the city
Due to the Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon on Sunday, several road closures are in place throughout Budapest. The restrictions primarily affect both the Pest and Buda embankments, the Liberty Bridge, and the area around Árpád Fejedelem Road in Óbuda, according to the Budapest Transport Center (BKK) via MTI.
Road closures in Budapest
Closures began Saturday morning at 8 AM and will remain in effect until Sunday night at 9 PM. The Pázmány Péter promenade in District XI is closed, and buses 107 and 154 are operating on alternate routes.
On Sunday, rolling closures will be enforced on the Pázmány Péter promenade, the Műegyetem embankment, the lower embankments on both sides of the Danube, the Üstökös street ramp, Árpád Fejedelem Road, Árpád Bridge, the central road on Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge, Újpest embankment, Liberty Bridge, and at major junctions such as Szent Gellért Square and Clark Ádám Square, Telex reports.
Public transport affected
Public transportation is also affected. Bus lines 16, 29, 34, 105, 106, 118, 134, 137, 178, 210B, 218, 226, and 237, as well as trams 2, 2B, 19, 23, 41, 47, and 49, will be running on modified or shortened routes during certain periods. Bus 26 is expected to be out of service temporarily.
The restrictions will alter the schedules and routes of additional services, including buses 4, 6, 83, and others, as well as multiple trolleybuses. Travellers are advised to use the BudapestGO app for real-time route updates and the best alternate routes.
The 39th Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon
Nearly 13,000 runners from almost 100 countries have registered for the 39th annual Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon. According to the organiser, Budapest Sport Office (BSI), the event will also host the Hungarian Half Marathon Championship.
“The 39th Wizz Air Budapest Half Marathon kicks off at 8 AM on Sunday. Participants will complete the 21.1-kilometer course along one of the world’s most scenic routes. About one-third of the runners are international, and we hope they leave with unforgettable memories,” said Árpád Kocsis, CEO of BSI.
With an unusually hot September forecast, the organisers also warned runners to stay cautious, particularly those participating in the 10 km race that starts at noon.
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