PRESS RELEASE

MAJOR PART OF THE KISKÖRÚT SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED
BY THE END OF SEPTEMBER SUBWAYS, STREETS, SQUARES, AND PARKS HAVE BEEN RENEWED

To the construction of Metro 4, the Municipality of Budapest links several own funded investments starting from the so-called intermodal hub of Õrmezõ to the landscaping works of the environment of the Keleti Railway Station. These associated investments are approximately 15% of the budget of the overall project, and their purpose is to increase passenger traffic of Metro 4 and broaden access and transportation links to the metro as well as providing accessible environment. One of the most important projects of the above is the full reconstruction of Kiskörút (and its vicinity), which was commenced in January 2008. Within its frame the public utility network, tram lines and stops, subways, roads, squares and parks have been renewed. Reconstruction of the areas of the associated projects not concerned by the station works were finished by 30th September 2010, i.e. by the end date set.

The reconstruction of Bartók Béla Road and St. Gellért Square were completed within the frame of the projects associated with Metro 4, and then from a little more than 10 milliard forints, in January 2008 the full reconstruction of Kiskörút section from Szabadság Bridge to Astoria was commenced. As the first step of the implementation the full public utility network of Belgrád quay-way, Fõvám Square, Vámház Boulevard and Múzeum Boulevard was rebuilt, and then the line of tram No 47 and 49 was renewed, where trams can run via the full route again since December 2008. The track of tram No 2 from Március 15. Square to Közraktár Street has also been rebuilt. The tram’s underpass section in front of the west façade of the Corvinus University of Budapest has been extended, thus before the main entrance of the University – following completion of the station works – a new square can be provided. Simultaneously with the lowering of the tram track the modern waste management of the Central Market Hall during flood periods has also been successfully resolved by the handover of the freight elevators at Csarnok Square. The modern pedestrian subway at Fõvám Square was completed by October 2009, since then tram No 2 have been running on renewed line as well.

By the 30th of September 2010 – i.e. by the end date undertaken in the contract – the pavements were renewed on Kiskörút and in its vicinity, the Múzeum Boulevard was reconstructed "wall to wall", Baross Street has become a pedestrian precinct, district V side of Kálvin Square, the subway at Kálvin Square, several stops of the tram, the Vámház Boulevard, the Fõvám Square and the Belgrád quay-way were all renewed. In front of the south façade of the Corvinus University of Budapest the buildings are linked with landscaped promenades. At Fõvám Square with the contribution of district V a pleasant town park is built with playground and large areas which can provide options for organizing even cultural events here also. By yesterday the contractor finished all the work phases which are not concerned by the station works. Final finishing of the remaining surface areas can take place following completion of the station construction, but as the works progress, DBR – where possible - will keep trying continuously program the these works.

It should be emphasized that the professionals paid special attention – continuously cooperating with the representatives of the concerned parties – to making the pedestrian subway (and surface) at Fõvám square providing the transfer link between the lines of metro 4, tram No 2 and tram No 47-49 accessible. In the frame of providing complex accessibility, for those using wheelchairs, baby buggies and for elderly people a sufficient solution was successfully found considerably early with elevators and recessed curbs, but these have become new obstacles to overcome by the blind and visually impaired people. Following long meetings about the actual needs an appropriate solution was eventually found. According to the Head of the advocacy for the Hungarian National Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired the provision of accessibility at Fõvám Square serves the actual needs and is one of the few exemplary projects.

Budapest, 1st October 2010
DBR Metro Project Directorate