The renovation of one of Budapest’s most iconic bridges has finally started – PHOTOS

Following a couple of years of tenders and debate between the Hungarian government, BKK (Centre for Budapest Transport), and the Municipality of Budapest, the renovation of the iconic Széchenyi Chain Bridge has finally started.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which was among the top 10 most beautiful bridges in the world and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary, was inaugurated in November 1849. Unfortunately, however, the bridge was destroyed when the German soldiers left after the Siege of Budapest. For more interesting things from the past of the Chain Bridge, you could check out THIS article, and if you would like to know how it got its name, read THIS article.

Around January, the winner of the tender got finalised by the committee, and the Board of Directors at BKK accepted the decision. It will be the A-Híd Zrt. that renovates the bridge that has been in need of serious renovation for quite some time.

According to Hvg, the winning tender put forth a net cost of HUF 18.8 billion (€51.5 million) which ended up being a gross total of HUF 26.75 billion (€73.3 million).

This latter includes VAT, inspector and independent expert fees, etc., and a 10% reserve. In January, there was a little delay on the government’s promised support contract, but the Municipality of Budapest said that if necessary, the municipality will provide the full cost of the renovation so that the work can start.