Renovation of Szeged's Huszár Mátyás Quay moves ahead with utility overhaul

News

Jun 25

The renovation of the Huszár Mátyás Quay in Szeged continues this summer, with city officials announcing that utility lines will be replaced along a 330-meter (1,083-foot) stretch by late August.

Sándor Nagy, Szeged’s deputy mayor for urban development, said Wednesday that the construction work is part of the city’s long-term “Tisza, Szeged’s Main Street” project – an effort that has focused on revitalizing the central riverside area for more than a decade.

Initial phases of the broader initiative included flood defense upgrades and green space rehabilitation at Móra Park and Stefánia. The riverside beach and bath facilities on the Újszeged side of the Tisza River have also been renovated and reopened.

Last year, bridge structures at two access ramps to the quay were reconstructed, and the area surrounding the Flood Memorial was renewed with added green space – Nagy said.

City officials say the embankment redesign aims to bring the river closer to residents, expand public green space, and reduce urban heat effects. Currently used by vehicles and for parking, the area is slated for a phased redevelopment that minimizes disruption by aligning construction with the school holiday period.

Deputy Mayor for Urban Policy József Binszki said the next major phase of the project – expected to cost 1.3 billion forints (approximately $3.5 million) – would be funded through grants sought in 2026.

Work beginning July 1 includes the replacement of water and sewage infrastructure between the Belvárosi Bridge and the Belvedere. Archaeologists from the Móra Museum will conduct site investigations, while Szegedi Vízmű Zrt. and Hydroline-Bau Zrt. will handle the water and sewer line replacements, respectively. This year’s phase is budgeted at 150 million forints ($400,000) – covered by the city.

During construction, the embankment will be closed to through traffic. Drivers will still be able to enter from both ends, and parking will remain available in unaffected sections.

The quay – named after Hungarian engineer and surveyor Mátyás Huszár, known for his early mapping of the Danube, Tisza, Maros, and Körös rivers – is expected to reopen by Aug. 19.

This article is based on a press release from the Hungarian News Agency (MTI).