People take photos on the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
BUDAPEST, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday.
This reopening not only signifies the restoration of a vital transportation link but also symbolizes unity and heritage, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony said during the inauguration.
"The Chain Bridge is not just a bridge; it's a symbol of togetherness," Karacsony said. He emphasized that the bridge played a pivotal role a century and a half ago in setting the course for the capital's development.
Karacsony also expressed his pride in the socially conscious decision to make the Chain Bridge a car-free zone, a choice that was reached after public consultation.
"I crossed my fingers, hoping that the bridge would be ready for the capital's 150th birthday on Nov. 17. The Chain Bridge is a marvel, and we should be proud of it," the mayor said.
The bridge, built in 1849 spanning the River Danube, is one of the most famous landmarks in Hungary and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Addressing the gathering, Katalin Walter, chief executive officer of the Budapest Transport Center, expressed satisfaction that the city's residents supported the decision to make the bridge car-free during a survey.
She highlighted a twofold increase in the number of cyclists and mentioned that bus commuters now spend half the time crossing the Chain Bridge. "We expect 20,000 fewer vehicles to cross the bridge daily, contributing to its preservation," Walter added.
Last December, a partial reopening took place, reserving a new lane for buses, cyclists, motorcyclists, and taxis, but banning private cars from using the renovated bridge. However, pedestrians had to wait for this official reopening to traverse the newly revitalized structure.
Following the ceremony, Budapest residents have a day-long celebration to commemorate the event, with specially organized games and explorations, as well as street music performances.
The overhaul cost of the renovation stands at 26.75 billion forints (75.74 million U.S. dollars). (1 forint = 0.0028 U.S. dollar) ■
People take photos of the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is seen in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is seen in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
People celebrate on the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is seen in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
The Szechenyi Chain Bridge is seen in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
People celebrate on the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
Tourists on segways cross the Szechenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, Hungary on Aug. 4, 2023. In a momentous occasion marking the end of a comprehensive two-year renovation, Budapest's iconic Szechenyi Chain Bridge, the oldest permanent bridge in the city, has been fully reopened to the grand public on Friday. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)
