The plans were completed in the summer, and now BKK (Budapest Transport Centre) has taken another important step to get the construction work underway. The company has submitted its tenders for the reconstruction of the Antall József Quay and the area under the Elisabeth Bridge.
Budapest’s central government is working on the renewal of the Pest Quay, Magyar Építők reports. According to their statement, they aim to make the Pest Quay greener and more organised by creating a continuous pedestrian walkway and cycling opportunities, freeing up the stepped riverbanks, and expanding recreational options. They also remind us that, commissioned by BKK, the plans for the complete reconstruction of the Pest lower quay were completed this summer.
BKK has submitted two tenders for the development of a significant part of Antall József Quay and the area beneath the Elisabeth Bridge, for which public procurement procedures regarding their construction may commence next summer, should the tenders be accepted and the required EU funds provided.
MG Építész Ltd. carried out the design process intending to renew one of Budapest’s most significant public spaces in a green, livable way, worthy of its World Heritage environment while taking into account the opinions of professional and civil organisations. The statement emphasises the importance of social dialogue: in recent years, the city leadership and BKK have sent out numerous surveys to the public to understand their needs and suggestions.
After the events of mid-September when the area had to be closed during the largest flood of the past decade, it was important to consider the riverside’s susceptibility to flooding. During the planning process, BKK deemed it appropriate to design and implement green spaces and public elements that can withstand environmental challenges in the event of another flood and do not hinder the strenuous work involved in flood management.
Plans for Antall József Quay: bustling, multifunctional public space
The development of the northern section has already taken place in several phases: most recently, a much-needed sidewalk with a row of trees and benches was built between the Parliament and Margaret Bridge, and the ramp was rebuilt, getting rid of the previous atmosphere of a barrier-lined transit route.
BKK plans to create a double row of trees between the Parliament and the Chain Bridge, and cars will be subject to a speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour, corresponding to their current average speed. This aims to make traffic safer and reduce noise pollution, while still maintaining the conditions for vehicle traffic.
BKK also plans to create bike lanes, new ramps, and pedestrian crossings to improve conditions for walking and cycling. Thanks to this design, a multifunctional space could be created, which would serve vehicle traffic on weekdays but could become a venue for community events on weekends and public holidays.
Quay’s stairways to be restored under the Elisabeth Bridge
According to the plans, the square will cater entirely to the needs of pedestrians, with newly planted trees and a double stairway in place of the current road. Vehicles will be able to access the Pest upper quay via the Petőfi Square ramp.
Special attention will be paid to making the pedestrian space safe and welcoming, and the Danube more accessible. The stairways would not only serve recreational purposes, but they would also add to the aesthetic value of the public space and represent a return to the original design of this part of the quay.
Read more about the current and future plans to renew the Quay here.
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