Széchenyi Chain Bridge – Renovation Design for the Substructures and Heritage Elements

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge was Hungary’s first permanent bridge across the Danube and remains one of the best-known symbols of Budapest and Hungarian engineering heritage. Its historic, urban and structural importance made the design of its renovation an exceptional engineering and heritage-conservation responsibility.

The design programme preparing the reconstruction of the Chain Bridge and the Tunnel under Castle Hill was carried out between 2013 and 2017. Within this wider commission, CÉH zRt. was responsible for the renovation design of the bridge substructures—the abutments, river piers and bastions—and for managing the architectural heritage aspects.

Our work included the preparation of a renovation study, permitting documentation and detailed construction designs. The process required an assessment of the condition of the existing structures, previous alterations, original materials and the causes of deterioration.

The abutments, piers and bastions are not only engineering structures carrying the loads of the bridge but also defining elements of its historic architectural appearance. Strengthening and restoration solutions therefore had to respond simultaneously to structural safety, long-term durability and preservation of the original character.

The work required coordination of the restoration of stone and masonry structures, protection against moisture, utility and drainage systems, and the transport and pedestrian areas connected to the bridge. Particular attention was given to interfaces where historic surfaces met new structural or technical elements.

The detailed documentation formed part of the design basis for the bridge renovation subsequently carried out between 2021 and 2023. The construction works renewed the steel deck, corrosion protection, stone surfaces, historic fittings, lighting and the areas surrounding the bridgeheads.

For the engineers of CÉH zRt., the project represented a personal responsibility as well as a major professional assignment. Our work contributed to the renewal of a structure that is fundamental to the cityscape of Budapest, the connection between the two banks of the Danube and the heritage of Hungarian engineering.

Consortium partners: FŐMTERV Mérnöki Tervező Zrt., MSc Kft.

Main contractor: A-Híd Zrt.

Awards and recognition:

• MAGÉSZ Év Acélszerkezete Nívódíj, 2024, (Hungarian Steel Structure Association – Steel Structure of the Year Excellence Award, 2024)
• Építőipari Nívódíj, 2024 – Közlekedési létesítmény kategória, (Hungarian Construction Excellence Award, 2024 – Transport Infrastructure category)