Bridge length: 608 m

Bridge structure: A six-span bridge comprising a series of two-hinged steel arches with a supported orthotropic deck structure

Year of construction: 1876

Years of construction of today’s structure: 1947 and 1948

The refurbishment of Margit Bridge, which was delivered in 1876, reconstructed several times and destroyed in the war, allowed, in addition to the structural refurbishment works required for structural strength and important for the service life of the bridge, the upgrading of the traffic system and restoration as a listed structure. The preparation of the detailed design was based on the preparation of a number of design studies and approval and tender designs.

The bridge was refurbished the last time more than 30 years ago. The reinforced concrete deck of the river bidge constructed as a completely new structure after the war completely deteriorated and its replacement became unavoidable. The traffic conditions that had changed meanwhile also set new requirements for the cross-sectional design of the bridge. The role played by the bridge in the traffic network significantly changed, and directional road and tram traffic in Nagykörút and traffic on the exit and access ramps of the bridge increased. These changes could be accommodated by reconstructing a bridge deck wider than previously. The complete replacement of the reinforced concrete deck allowed the modification of the previous cross-section of the deck inadequate from a traffic point of view (narrow traffic lanes, a curve at Margit Island posing an accident hazard, and the lack of a cycle path) and the required upgrading at the bridge abutments and the ramp accessing the island.

The new steel orthotropic deck became 2.95 m wider, allowing a two-way cycle track to cross the river on the north pavement brackets. Disabled accessibility for traffic participants is served by a pedestrian crossing converted into a level crossing at the central pier, as well as a level connection allowing the disabled to continue their way to the boulevards at the bridge abutments.

The following structural works were carried out as part of the refurbishment:

• construction of a new orthotopic deck;
• corrosion protection of the existing and newly constructed steel structures;
• reconstruction of the longitudinal and cross bracing of the main girders;
• replacement of bridge accessories;
• restoration of waterproofing and the roadway;
• reconstruction of the tramway.

The reinforcement of the bridge structures and the improvement of the geometrical conditions corresponding to the traffic demand had to be carried out in accordance with the requirements for listed structures, together with reconstruction as a listed structure, which had to include the following: the installation of period street lamps along the pavements on both sides of the bridge, the installation of catenary poles in a period form, the construction of railings in their original form, reconstruction of the bracing and cast iron cornice of the main girders and the reconstruction of the river piers.

The construction had to be carried out while the traffic of tram lines 4 and 6 on the boulevard was maintained throughout construction, which resulted in the construction and relocation of the tramway three times, all this with the handling of its consequences for structural construction.