Budapest’s postcard-superstar Chain Bridge – the city’s first permanent span over the Danube – will close for at least three years starting from this September. As its carrying capacity requires bolstering, thorough renovations are needed on the bridge, planned to be carried out in two phases. Firstly, the bridge, the adjoining tunnel for tram 2 on the Pest side as well as the surrounding surfaces will be renewed. Afterwards, the Buda Castle Tunnel and Clark Ádám Square will undergo development. However, the schedule for the work has not yet been finalized and is still subject to change.

The renovation of the Chain Bridge was announced last year, but plans have since been changed to better suit the needs of the city as a whole. Now works are scheduled to start this September, lasting altogether some 3-3.5 years. The road over the bridge, sidewalk and railings will be renewed, while the stone surfaces will be repaired and cleaned. The bridge is expected to be enhanced with modern street lamps and floodlights, and the underpasses of the abutments and the stairways will also be restored.

Since the Chain Bridge is undergoing such comprehensive development, renovations will also be carried out on the Buda Castle Tunnel to install new insulation and cladding. The renewal of the tunnel will result in some changes to traffic arrangements to better cater to the needs of drivers, bikers and pedestrians. The streetlights will be modernized and floodlights will be installed. Additionally, Clark Ádám Square – located between the bridge and the tunnel – will also be reconstructed. Car traffic will be reduced and pedestrian areas will be extended and enhanced with new cladding. Locals and those visiting this summer should not forget to have a few last sweet strolls across the Danube before the beautiful Chain Bridge leaves the limelight until 2021 at least.