Hungary's largest motorway expansion project begins
The first phase of construction involves removing vegetation from the central reservation and building service crossings on the M1 motorway.
The development will expand a 78-kilometre section of the M1 motorway between the M0 ring road and the Concó rest area at kilometre 94 to 2x3 lanes. Additionally, intelligent emergency lanes will be built on both sides, which can be used as full traffic lanes when necessary - during accidents, maintenance, or increased traffic -
enabling traffic flow on up to 2x4 lanes between Budapest and Győr.
According to the concession agreement, the section between M0 and Bicske will be completed by 31 August 2028, while the section from Bicske to the Concó rest area will be finished by 31 August 2029. The expansion of the section between the Concó rest area and Hegyeshalom will take place at a later date. The contractors promise to maintain 2x2 traffic lanes throughout the construction period.
The M1 expansion involves not just lane widening but also comprehensive system-level development. The project includes
- reconstructing 72 existing underpasses and overpasses,
- modernising 11 junctions, and
- creating 4 new grade-separated junctions.
Additionally, 6 complex rest areas will be completely rebuilt, other rest areas will be expanded and modernised, and approximately 300 new lorry parking spaces will be created.
As part of the development, 2 engineering bases will be modernised, 7 at-grade sub-junctions will be converted to roundabouts, and drainage and water storage systems will be built. The length and height of noise barriers will also be significantly increased.
Cover image (for illustration purposes only): Portfolio
