The interrelated traffic and image modification of the road section from Kálvin tér to the Liberty Bridge could be carried out with the implementation of Phase II of the New Main Street of the City Centre. As a result, the Main Street has become a favourite resting and meeting place for pedestrians from a high traffic transit route in the City Centre.
The Local Government of Belváros-Lipótváros commissioned a consortium comprising FŐMTERV Zrt., Közlekedés Kft., KIMA Kft. and Város-Teampannon Kft., led by FŐMTERV, to prepare approval and detailed designs. In addition to leading the consortium, FŐMTERV performed primarily utility and engineering structure design tasks.

DESIGN TASKS:

• preparation of approval designs and obtaining of permits;
• preparation of tender designs;
• preparation of detailed designs;
• design engineer’s supervision;
• preparation of as-built drawings.

PROJECT ELEMENTS:

• overhaul of the image of Ferenciek tere and Március 15. tér, laying custom-designed natural stone paving, installation of street furniture, placement of statues and planting of trees;
• on the south side of Március 15. tér, at the abutment of the Erzsébet Bridge, conversion of the junction into a traffic lights-controlled junction, which also provides access to the bridge in the direction of Buda, in connection with the junction of Belgrád rakpart and Március 15. tér;
• construction of a retaining wall due to a difference in elevations at the junction;
• establishment of pedestrian crossings in the line of Váci utca and Ferenciek tere;
• establishment of bicycle paths in Ferenciek tere and Március 15. tér, connected to the bicycle path in Belgrád rakpart;
• establishment of bicycle parks;
• by closing the Y subway to road traffic, termination of through traffic in Ferenciek tere in the direction of the bridge and relieving Irányi utca;
• expansion of the commercial space by connecting the subway area to the pedestrian subway of the metro and overhaul of the image of the subway by reconstructing the stairwells and providing waterproofing for the subway and the connection area;
• establishment of a lift providing for unobstructed circulation from the subway;
• exclusion of through traffic by converting Curia utca into a dead-end street;
• refurbishment of the car park under Erzsébet Bridge and providing more direct access to it;
• wider pavements, new parking spaces, rows of trees and green areas also in the connecting streets;
• full upgrading of the utility networks in the area affected by construction;
• Design of new public lighting.

PROJECT RESULTS:
With the delivery of Ferenciek tere and Március 15. tér constructed as Phase II of the New Main Street of the City Centre, a contiguous pedestrian axis was established in the City Centre, connecting several squares and giving them back to people who wish to have a rest, have a good time and do shopping, and thereby providing a healthier living space of a higher standard for local residents. Strolling in streets and squares with no or reduced traffic and crossing at street level without subways from Kálvin tér to Szabadság tér, pedestrians can enjoy a multitude of catering establishments, the comfort of resting benches and the refreshing spray from small street fountains. Cyclists can safely circulate on the bicycle paths made for them, and road traffic also uses the area for what is needed, as through traffic has been removed from these much-frequented locations of the City Centre.