Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
It will serve only public transport, bikes and taxis, while pedestrians will have to wait until 2023
Last Friday, the Chain Bridge in Hungary’s capital, Budapest, partially opened for traffic after the initial stage of reconstruction was complete. The bridge, an iconic landmark, has also been a linchpin for traffic in the city that will now carry public transport, taxis and cyclists.
Reconstruction of the bridge started in the summer of 2021 and 18 months later, local authorities can only offer a partially finished project. Nevertheless, this is still quite significant, as officials say this was the first major reconstruction of the Lánchíd since World War II and it required structural upgrades.
The landmark is now closed to pedestrians, as the sidewalks are still a construction site, scheduled to open in the autumn of 2023. Then, according to a statement by Budapest’s Mayor Gergely Karácsony, authorities will hold a public consultation to decide whether to open the bridge for car traffic at all or to keep it as infrastructure for public transport, taxis and bikes.
This is a major departure from the previous role of the bridge as a sight of usual traffic jams. Moreover, it is the cause for some characteristic Hungarian political antagonism between the national Fidesz government and Budapest’s mayor.
The reconstruction cost 18.8 billion Hungarian forints (around 46 million euros) and the final reconstruction will be completed in 2023 to celebrate its 150th anniversary.
The bridge was in serious disrepair and the redevelopment had to focus on structural features.
For example, 350 metres of old reinforced concrete roadway were demolished and rebuilt with custom 3.5 metre-wide eight-ton steel rods. Also, the support elements of the bridge were suffering from corrosion and while they were not in danger of collapse, needed a replacement.
The main bridge elements were kept but strengthened, the stone coverings were polished, and the four lions, two on each end of the bridge, were completely renovated. None of them were remanufactured in order to keep the authenticity of the historic landmark.
Moreover, the Chain Bridge now features period-accurate lanterns as the only source of street illumination, apart from an LED installation for architectural highlighting.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team