Completion of First Fully State-Funded Expressway Tunnels
Hungary has recently made significant progress in its infrastructure development, with the completion of a pair of tunnels for the M85 expressway. The Minister of Construction and Transport, János Lázár, took to Facebook to share the news, calling it a signal of progress and hope for the future.
The newly constructed tunnels are not short in length, spanning 780 meters each. To ensure the safety and efficiency of traffic flow, a number of advanced features have been incorporated, including cameras, emergency call buttons, LED signs for traffic management, pavement temperature indicators, and more.
Importantly, these tunnels mark the first expressway tunnel in Hungary to be built entirely as a public investment. The project, known as the Bécsi-domb tunnels, is part of a larger initiative to improve the country’s road network. Once operational, these tunnels will connect 11 expressways to the border, a significant increase from just three in 2010.
While progress is being made on the Hungarian side, there are still challenges to overcome, as construction on the Austrian side has not yet commenced. This has implications for the border crossing and coordination between the two countries.
The construction of the M85 expressway tunnels is part of a larger investment by the Ministry of Construction and Transport, totaling HUF 53 billion (EUR 136 million). Work on the tunnels began in 2020 and has remained on schedule, with an expected completion date in summer 2024.
The tunnels, located in the northwestern part of Sopron, will help streamline traffic flow and improve connectivity in the region. Once operational, they will enable speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour, enhancing the overall transportation experience for travelers.
Overall, the completion of these tunnels represents a significant milestone in Hungary’s infrastructure development efforts, signaling a brighter future for transportation in the country.
