The levelling up works on the express roads operated by MKIF Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc. in Hungary, which started in April, have reached the half-way point. By the 1st of August, MKIF Zrt. replaced 312 km of lane length and 1.6 million sqm of worn-out, deteriorated pavement with new asphalt on nine express roads in the country. (Please note that the works data are given in lane lengths. Lane length means that if, for example, a 1 km section of a motorway is completely renewed on both sides and on both (inside and outside) lanes, then a 4 km lane length of the express road section concerned has been levelled up).
The work carried out so far used 200 thousand tonnes of asphalt. In addition to the top wearing layer, the underlying bonding layer was also replaced where necessary. The M1, M3 and M7 motorways saw the most pavement renewal, with around 4/5 of the work done so far on these three motorways. In addition, 36 bridges and flyovers were renewed in the last four months.
In September 2022, MKIF Zrt. took over the operation, maintenance and development of 1,237 km of the expressway network in Hungary. Right at the start, in early October, we repaved 130,000 square metres (corresponding to the size of almost 18 football pitches) of the most critical sections before winter.
Then, in April, we launched the biggest express road renovation in Hungary’s history. It is planned to repave 297 km (2.5 million square metres) this year. The renovation, which we call “levelling up”, will involve 538 km of motorway, expressway over three years. Across the country, 200 bridges and flyovers will be renewed, including four major bridges: the Rába Bridge (M1), the Oszlár Tisza Bridge (M3), the Köröshegy Valley Bridge (M7) and the Pentele Bridge (M8). At 50-60 junctions, the drainage systems and any slope failures will also be fixed.
Furthermore, we will also renovate dozens of rest stops. We will improve the roofs of the buildings and toilets, replace and repair machinery, thus increasing operational safety and simplifying operations. We will also put new furniture in these rest stops, replacing the outdated wooden street furniture. In addition, we will plant trees and place selective waste containers in the rest stops.
Tens of billions of forints are planned to be spent on renovating express roads in 67 locations this year. This of course involves diversions and traffic restrictions. We try to organise the work in time and space to minimise inconvenience. Therefore, we started the whole renovation after Easter, and no levelling up works were planned on the M7 between the capital and Lake Balaton during the holiday period. All diversions will be communicated in a timely and continuous manner via our website, Facebook page and ÚTINFORM.
The works are necessary to ensure that travellers can use the road in good condition. Please follow our website and always check the current traffic situation before departure and plan longer journeys during the renovations.
We kindly ask for your understanding and support during the renovations. We work for you.
MKIF Zrt. wishes you a safe journey!
Budapest, 2 August 2023.