Traffic changes begin Wednesday at Aradi vértanúk Square as water main replacement starts
Renovation work to replace aging water mains will begin Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Aradi vértanúk Square, prompting significant temporary changes to traffic in one of Szeged’s busiest downtown areas, city officials said at a media briefing.
From Wednesday morning, vehicles approaching the square from Zrínyi Street will no longer be able to turn right onto Jókai Street and will not be able to reach Tisza Lajos Boulevard from that direction. The currently one-way section of road leading from Zrínyi Street toward Rerrich Béla Square will become two-way, officials said.
Drivers exiting toward Tisza Lajos Boulevard will be permitted to turn right only at the intersection. Left turns toward the flood memorial will be prohibited during the works. Motorists wishing to travel in that direction will be required to continue to the roundabout at Dugonics Square and turn back.
Under the temporary traffic arrangement, Jókai Street will become a dead end. It will be accessible from Toldy Street and can be exited toward Eötvös Street. Metal bollards currently closing off streets in the area will be removed for the duration of the project. Tram services will continue to operate without changes.
The project involves replacing 110 meters of aging water mains and resurfacing the affected roadway. The works are expected to cost about 30 million forints and are jointly financed by the city and Szegedi Vízművek Zrt., officials said. The original traffic pattern is expected to be restored by the end of March, subject to weather conditions.
Deputy Mayor Tamás Kovács said the renovation is part of an ongoing refurbishment of Aradi vértanúk Square that began in 2023, when the section toward Rerrich Béla Square was upgraded. The current phase covers the side of the square facing the Nagyáruház department store.
Zoltán Istókovics, CEO of Szegedi Vízművek Zrt., said the timing of the works was planned to avoid major events in the area, such as the Bortér wine festival and the Szeged Open-Air Festival.
City officials urged drivers to proceed with caution and allow extra travel time while the temporary traffic measures are in place.
Photos: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify
