Published: December 19 2023
The construction of the Zalaegerszeg connection to the national motorway network in Budapest is set to begin soon. The project is estimated to cost HUF 400 billion (EUR 1 billion) and will cover a 44-kilometer section.
Project Details and Cost
The project involves the construction of a 44-kilometer section between Zalaegerszeg and Fenékpuszta. It was put out to tender in February 2022 but was withdrawn in June due to an investment halt. The section is planned to be part of the Zalaegerszeg Automotive Test Track and will include a 10-kilometer test road for high-speed tests. Thirty-six bridges will be built, including four valley bridges and one spanning the Zala river. The high cost of the project may be due to its complexity and the inclusion of additional infrastructure developments.
Green Light and Technical Content
Although no government decision has been issued yet to officially approve the development, if the project proceeds, it will align with the technical content of the previous call for tenders. The estimated cost of HUF 400 billion includes the construction from Sármellék-Zalaegerszeg to the eastern junction, the connection of main road No. 71 to Keszthely, the connection of the airport in Sármellék, and the development of main road No. 76 between Fenékpuszta and Sármellék.
Factors Influencing Project Launch
The government considers various factors when deciding to launch investments, such as social and economic justification and sectoral policy considerations. The criteria for determining the priority of the investment are taken into account during the review process.
Conclusion
The major motorway construction project in Budapest that connects Zalaegerszeg to the national motorway network is set to begin soon. The project's estimated cost of HUF 400 billion will cover a 44-kilometer section and includes the construction of bridges and additional infrastructure developments. Despite a temporary investment halt, the project may proceed with the technical content of the previous call for tenders. The government considers various factors when deciding to launch investments, and the final decision is pending.
Questions & Answers
What is the cost estimate for the construction of the connection of Zalaegerszeg to the national motorway network in Hungary? The estimated cost for the construction of the 44-kilometer section is HUF 400 billion (EUR 1 billion).
When was the first section of the M76 motorway in Hungary opened? The first section of the M76 motorway between the Hollád junction of the M7 motorway and Balatonszentgyörgy was opened in October 2020.
Why was the tender for the 44-kilometer section between Zalaegerszeg and Fenékpuszta withdrawn in Hungary? The tender was withdrawn in June due to the investment halt.
What is the Zalaegerszeg Automotive Test Track? The Zalaegerszeg Automotive Test Track is a 250-hectare facility that allows for research and testing of vehicle technologies, such as electric and self-driving vehicles. It also includes a 10-kilometer section set up as a test road for high-speed tests.
How many bridges will be built on the 44-kilometer section of the motorway in Hungary? Thirty-six bridges will be built on the section, including four valley bridges and one spanning the Zala river.
Why has the cost of the project increased from the original estimate? The Ministry of Construction and Transport has stated that the estimated cost of HUF 400 billion includes not only the 44-kilometer section, but also the construction of the 28-kilometer section to Körmend, the connection of the main road No. 71 to Keszthely, the connection of the airport in Sármellék, and the development of the main road No. 76 between Fenékpuszta and Sármellék.
What factors determine the priority of investments in Hungary? The criteria for launching investments in Hungary take into account factors such as social and economic justification, as well as other sectoral policy considerations.
