Expanding Motorways with ‘Intelligent’ Hard Shoulders
Hungarian Concessionary Infrastructure Development Company to Upgrade Road Network
In 2022, the Hungarian Concessionary Infrastructure Development Company (MKIF Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Developer) has taken on the responsibility of renovating over five hundred kilometers of roads in Hungary over a three-year period. The goal is to bring the country’s road network up to a uniform standard, with the project set to be completed by next summer.
According to reports from Index, after the completion of this current project, construction will begin in September to widen the M1 motorway to two lanes. The company has entered into a 35-year concession contract with the Hungarian state to operate, maintain, and develop 1,237 kilometers of motorways. They are also tasked with designing and constructing new sections of the road network.
The agreement primarily focuses on roads that handle international traffic, covering a significant section of the motorway network. Under the contract, the company plans to build 279 kilometers of new motorway sections and widen 299 kilometers of existing motorways by 2034.
Before commencing these expansion projects, MKIF is required to bring the network’s pavement up to a uniform standard. As of 2023, more than 3.6 million square meters of asphalt pavement have been renewed, with an additional 20 percent, or 3.9 million square meters, scheduled for renewal this year. The resurfacing work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2025.
In addition to pavement renewal, the company is also focusing on modernizing the infrastructure by renewing approximately 200 bridges and flyovers across the network. Future plans include widening the M1, M7, and M3 motorways in different phases over the next few years.
The construction of a dual 3-lane motorway between the M0 and Concó rest area will include the implementation of intelligent hard shoulders to optimize traffic flow. The M7 motorway will see a 3+1 lane extension from the M0 to Szabadbattyán, while the M3 motorway will undergo reconstruction to accommodate 3+1 lanes from the Szentmihályi junction to Gyöngyös.
Moreover, a modern hot mix asphalt production system is being developed alongside the M7 motorway in Polgárdi, aiming to enhance construction efficiency and sustainability. The full-scale trial operation of this system is expected to commence in mid-October.
With these ongoing and upcoming projects, the Hungarian Concessionary Infrastructure Development Company is dedicated to enhancing the country’s road network and ensuring smooth and efficient transportation for residents and international travelers alike.
