Megyeri Bridge

The Megyeri Bridge forms a defining element of the northern section of Budapest’s M0 motorway ring, providing a road connection between the two banks of the Danube. The 1,862-metre crossing consists of five interconnected bridge structures spanning the main branch of the river, Szentendre Island and the Szentendre branch of the Danube.

The Megyeri Bridge is one of Budapest’s iconic bridges and one of the projects of which our Bridge Design Office is most proud. Its distinctive pylons and cable-stayed structure have become a widely recognisable feature of the northern gateway to the capital.

CÉH zRt. participated in the design of the bridge. The central engineering element is the three-span cable-stayed bridge over the main branch of the Danube, the first road bridge of this structural type to be constructed in Hungary.

The 300-metre central span is complemented by two side spans of 145 metres each. The deck is supported by two A-shaped pylons rising to approximately 100 metres and by 88 stay cables arranged in two planes. The fan-shaped cable arrangement defines both the structural behaviour and the distinctive architectural appearance of the bridge.

Designing a crossing composed of several bridge types required the coordination of different riverbed conditions, foundation solutions and structural systems. The five bridge sections had to form a coherent transport and visual connection while responding to the specific environmental and engineering conditions of each location.

Construction required specialist methods for erecting the nearly 100-metre pylons, lifting and installing the deck elements, and accurately closing the long bridge structure. Work over the river, assembly at height and interdependent construction phases required continuous surveying and structural control.

One of the leading engineers involved in the design was Dr Sándor Kisbán, chief bridge engineer of CÉH zRt. He received the Széchenyi Prize in 2008 in recognition of his work on the design of the Megyeri Bridge.

Beyond its transport function, the Megyeri Bridge is a defining engineering landmark in the northern area of Budapest. Its structural system, scale and distinctive appearance have made it one of the best-known achievements of contemporary Hungarian bridge design.

Awards and recognition:

Év Hídja díj (Bridge of the Year Award), 2018