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Budapest's Óbuda Island bridge in "pathetic ruin" state, faces urgent repairs
🇭🇺 Hungary /Energy & Infrastructure

Budapest's Óbuda Island bridge in "pathetic ruin" state, faces urgent repairs

From Magyar Nemzet · () Hungarian

Translated from Hungarian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Experts have described the K-bridge on Óbuda Island as a "pathetic ruin" in a state of disrepair, with safety concerns for large events.
  • A recent inspection revealed issues like loose steel plates, non-functional streetlights, and unidentified cables, prompting calls for immediate action.
  • Budapest faces significant costs for bridge repairs, with the Petőfi Bridge estimated at 40 billion forints, while other major Danube bridges also require substantial investment.

A critical report has labeled the K-bridge on Óbuda Island, a structure heavily used during festivals, as a "pathetic ruin" in a dire state of disrepair. An expert inspection documented severe issues, including 15-centimeter steel plates between the sidewalk and the edge detaching and falling into the Danube. The report also noted that electrical cables run beneath the damaged plates, and some lighting fixtures and IT cables on the bridge are either non-operational or their operators are unknown.

The entire thing is a pathetic ruin.

— Ádám HajabácsDescribing the condition of the K-bridge.

The expert classified the bridge as dangerous, recommending that its use for major events be permitted only under strict supervision and with adherence to weight restrictions. The findings highlight a broader problem with Budapest's bridges, with a recent report indicating that four major Danube bridges require a total of 45.5 billion forints (approximately $125 million) in repairs within two years.

The fastenings of the 15-centimeter wide steel plate between the sidewalk and the edge are separating, the plates are falling into the Danube, and the plate and the sidewalk are not on the same level.

— Ádám HajabácsDetailing specific structural problems with the K-bridge.

Among the bridges needing urgent attention are the Petőfi, Árpád, Erzsébet, and Szabadság bridges. The Petőfi Bridge is identified as being in the worst condition among all Danube crossings. An assessment from late October stated that immediate measures are necessary, and the bridge is recommended for urgent renovation within the city's bridge repair program. The estimated cost for the Petőfi Bridge's rehabilitation alone is around 40 billion forints.

There are streetlights on the bridge, but no one operates them, so they do not work.

— Budapest Közút ReportHighlighting the lack of maintenance for the bridge's lighting.

While the Árpád Bridge, approximately 75 years old, is not in as severe a state as the Petőfi Bridge, it still requires an estimated 4.3 billion forints for repairs. These funds would address corrosion protection and waterproofing to prevent further deterioration. Similarly, the Erzsébet Bridge also presents numerous problems, with an estimated one billion forints needed to prevent further issues. The Budapest Közút (Budapest Road) provided this documentation in response to a public information request.

Immediate measures must be implemented regarding the structure.

— Assessment of Petőfi BridgeStating the urgency for repairs on the Petőfi Bridge.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Magyar Nemzet in Hungarian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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