Renovations on Budapest’s Chain Bridge (Lánchíd) and the adjacent castle district tunnel in Buda may begin as early as this year, according to a statement from BKK, the organization charged with running and maintaining the Hungarian capital’s public transportation and infrastructure.

Speaking to Várnegyed newspaper, the BKK stated that permit and construction plans have already been compiled for the renovation of the bridge and the tunnel. They added that authorities may approve the plans as early as this year.

The two edifices, which are some of the most important and iconic in Budapest, were last renovated between 1986 and 1988.

At earliest, renovations could begin in the second half of 2017. These will be quite extensive, as the bridge needs new insulation, as well as replacement expansion joints and chain cable links. In addition, the road and sidewalk on the bridge are in need of renovation, and the entire bridge needs a new coat of corrosion-protection.

All of this means that, due to these renovations, the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most important traffic arteries, may be closed for up to two years.

Last year, Budapest Mayor István Tarlós estimated that the renovation project would cost 18 billion forint (approx. 57.7 million euro); the final costs, however, could easily exceed 20 billion (64 million euro).

Via szeretlekmagyaroszag.hu, origo.hu, and 1.kerulet.ittlakunk.hu

Source: hungarytoday.com

Republished with permission