The Kőröshegy Valley Bridge on Hungary’s M7 motorway, was reopened to traffic yesterday, 11 September, five days ahead of the planned completion date of 16 September.
The repairs, which began on 2 September, involved the replacement of worn-out “shoes,” components that facilitate controlled movement of the bridge and ensure its stability.
The replacement process required the use of specialised equipment, including a 160-ton truck crane and 18 hydraulic lifting systems capable of lifting around 10,000 tons. The new heels, each weighing nearly 10 tons, were custom-made in Germany and installed with millimetre precision.
In addition to the shoe replacement, further maintenance was carried out on the bridge. This included corrosion protection of the expansion elements, asphalt repairs, and the restoration of benches. Safety features, such as repairs to the tape barrier and light-reflective netting, were also addressed.
The Kőröshegy Valley Bridge, built in 2007, undergoes regular annual and semi-annual inspections. Recent tests revealed that three of the bridge’s 38 piers, which each bear a load of 4,500 tons, required immediate attention. This was the first heel replacement in the bridge’s 17-year history.
