Huge traffic changes coming to Budapest: Flórián Square flyover renovation kicks off!

The renovation of the Flórián Square flyover is finally underway after years of delay, although the vision for the renovation was conceived in 2019 through community planning.

The structure, which connects Árpád Bridge to Szentendrei Street, was deteriorating: the concrete structures were soaking and cracking, and the rusting steel inserts were increasing the risk of accidents. According to Index, after years of finger-pointing between the municipalities and the capital, an agreement was finally reached in December 2024 to renovate the Flórián Square bridge.

The end of a long-drawn-out problem

The Flórián Square flyover is a key element of traffic flow between Árpád Bridge and Szentendrei Street, serving tens of thousands of cars and public transport users every day. The structure was built in the 1980s and has undergone only minor maintenance work since then, while weather and constant stress have increasingly weakened the structure. In recent years, the concrete pavement has begun to crack, some elements of the structure have rusted due to poor drainage, and in some places, concrete chips have fallen on vehicles and pedestrians passing underneath.

A comprehensive reconstruction of the flyover was considered as early as 2019, and community planning programmes were launched to consult local residents on possible solutions. However, the project did not move forward for many years, partly due to funding difficulties and partly due to political disputes between municipalities.

The management of the III District has repeatedly indicated that the condition of the flyover is critical and that urgent intervention is needed, but the municipality has been unable to provide funding for the works in recent years. The situation finally changed at the end of 2024 when the capital was finally able to raise the necessary funds for the reconstruction from money recovered in a lawsuit.

What kind of works can be expected?

Specialists will carry out a complete renovation: the road will be resurfaced, defects in the reinforced concrete slabs will be repaired, and new insulation will be installed to stop water leaks. New expansion joints will be installed at the ends of the Flórián Square bridges, the railings will be replaced, and the drainage system will be upgraded. The works are expected to take a year and will be carried out in stages.

The renovation is being financed by the Municipality of Budapest, which has earmarked a total of HUF 3 billion (EUR 7.52 million) for the project. Of this amount, HUF 2.1 billion (EUR 5.27 million) will go to the contractor, KM Építő Ltd. Part of the money comes from funds recovered in a long-running court case and returned to the capital’s coffers after the scandals surrounding the electronic ticketing system.

What should Budapest prepare for?

The closure of the Flórián Square flyover will be carried out in two phases: first, the southern structure will be renovated, followed by the northern structure in the autumn. The biggest change for motorists will be a new two-lane reversing lane from Szentendrei Street to Pest. However, severe congestion is expected, and drivers should look for alternative routes, such as the Megyeri Bridge. To ease traffic congestion, the capital recommends that those who can should use public transport, as car travel will be significantly slower.