„ Green metro ”: Trees are replanted on Köztársaság Square

Due to the construction of the Népszínház Street metro station, the builders will replant 12 old trees and plant 186 new trees after the completion of construction works.

The fourth line of the Budapest Metro is the project where one of the key aspects is the protection of the environment. Every possible effort is made to fell trees exclusively in unavoidable cases. Even the technology is changed, if required. This took place for example in the case of the Rákóczi Square Station, part of which is built underground by mining method rather than from the surface in order to save the protected plane trees. The trees are replanted if the technology cannot be changed, but the condition of trees permits it. Such replanting of trees will take place on April 24, on Köztársaság Square.
Before the commencement of construction of the Népszínház Street Station the healthier trees at the construction site will be relocated. This means the replanting of 12 aged trees; these will be taken to another part of the square. Upon the completion of the station additional 109 trees will be planted in the construction area and 78 more trees in other parts of the square. The replanted aged trees include hackberries, silver lime-trees, bee-trees, maple-trees and pagoda-trees.
Replanting is a multi-phase process. First the tree is dug around by an excavator equipped with a special dipper, and then the tree-trunk is packaged into protective textile. The plant “prepared” in this manner is carefully removed and relocated into the pit dug earlier. After replanting the tree gets special treatment including minerals and frequent watering.
The construction of the Népszínház Street station of the fourth line of the Metro started with the replacement of utilities in the neighboring streets. In May the construction of station structure will begin with the erection of the diaphragm wall and excavation of earth. The station structure is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. The two tunnel boring machines are scheduled to pass across the station at the beginning of 2009; after that the internal erection works of the station will commence.
All areas affected by the construction will be renewed and rebuilt, and the entire area returned to the city will meet the expectations of the 21st century. The objective is to make the Köztársaság Square more attractive, greener and more up to date after the completion of the project.
What will the Népszínház Street station look like?
The exit of the station is located on the Népszínház Street corner of the Köztársaság Square providing fast and convenient access to the tram. Similar to the Rákóczi Square the metro will play a significant role in the development of the entire neighborhood. The international experience shows that a new metro station increases property prices, therefore this part of the 8th district gets an unprecedented opportunity for development.
Key data of the station
Station length 91 m
Platform length 80 m
Useful platform surface 930 m2
Depth below surface -16,7 m
Number of moving staircases 3
Number of elevators 2
Number of exits 1
Station type Middle platform
Construction of the Metro is carried out to the most exigent European quality standards and environmental specifications. The experts of the Municipality of Budapest, the BKV Zrt. and the construction companies do everything in their power to complete the works to the planned deadline, causing the least amount of inconvenience to the residents.