The Chain Bridge, an iconic symbol of Budapest, holds significance in the city’s history and urban landscape. Spanning the Danube River, it was the first permanent bridge connecting the Pest and Buda sides of the city. Although Budapest’s unification came later, the Chain Bridge provided the first opportunity for citizens to easily cross between the two areas, making it a critical piece of infrastructure.
How did István Széchenyi make the Chain Bridge a reality?
The story of the Chain Bridge is fascinating. Nearly 200 years ago, Hungary’s great thinker, István Széchenyi, decided to dedicate his entire year’s salary to building a permanent bridge between Pest and Buda. At that time, people could only cross when the Danube would freeze in winter. Széchenyi pitched his idea to fund and construct the bridge, eventually gathering the necessary support to make it happen. Construction began in 1840, and the Chain Bridge became the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary.
What went into renovating the Chain Bridge?
After standing strong for almost two centuries, the Chain Bridge required major repairs. The renovation began in early 2021 and took 25 months to complete. The restoration work included repairing the bridge’s pillars and renovating the iconic lion statues that guard its entrances. During the renovation, the statues were temporarily removed and taken to a special location for repair. To honour the bridge’s significance during this period, the municipality collaborated with LEGO to create an exact replica of the lions, which was displayed on the Buda side of the bridge.
The renovations were completed in 2023, and the bridge reopened but with a new purpose. It is now dedicated exclusively to public transport, pedestrians, cyclists, bikes, and taxis.
What led to the Chain Bridge becoming car-free?
This transformation was not made lightly. Two years before the bridge reopened, the municipality of Budapest organised tenant meetings to allow citizens to vote on changes they wanted to see in the city. Residents had a direct say in shaping the future of the Chain Bridge, making it a collaborative decision.
The Budapest public transport company also supported the plan to close the bridge to cars. During the trial period, they observed that buses could cross the bridge in half the time without car traffic. This change allowed the number of buses per hour to increase from 20/21 to 27, enabling 500 more people to cross the river more efficiently during rush hour.
How did removing cars make the Chain Bridge safer?
Before these changes, the Chain Bridge posed challenges for both cyclists and pedestrians. The narrow bridge made it dangerous for cyclists to share the road with cars, often forcing them onto the pavement. Pedestrians also struggled to cross comfortably due to the high volume of traffic.
Now, with cars removed, the bridge is much safer and more accessible for everyone. Cyclists and pedestrians can cross without fear, and the reduced traffic density has made the area more pleasant to use.
How is the Chain Bridge creating a more liveable city?
The decision to make the Chain Bridge car-free was about more than just transportation. It was a way to give back to the people of Budapest, making the city more liveable and sustainable. Andras Lorincz, a partner and investment manager at Green Brothers, explained that the initiative was part of a broader effort to promote sustainable urban mobility and a circular economy.
By transforming the Chain Bridge, Budapest has not only preserved an important historical landmark but also created a space that serves the needs of its citizens today. It stands as a symbol of the city’s commitment to a greener, more inclusive future.
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