The reconstruction of metro line M3, which has been in progress for more than 5 years, is nearing completion. Two months after the Deák Ferenc tér and Ferenciek tere stations were opened, the blue metro is back in the city centre's traffic circulation, as two more stations, Arany János utca and Nyugati pályaudvar, will be connected to the passenger traffic. Between Újpest-központ and Kőbánya-Kispest, trains will be running again from 20 March on the entire line, with the metro not yet stopping at Lehel tér and Nagyvárad tér stations.
Perhaps most people think of the transfers and traffic disruption of the M3 metro line, while almost 3,500 people have been working on the complete reconstruction of the huge underground complex, with partial subway service. Four stations are still under construction.
Arany János utca and Nyugati pályaudvar stations are ready to receive passengers, as trials of the mechanical systems is complete and everything has tested well, and the passenger areas are returning with a modern look and fresh colours. Nagyvárad tér and Lehel tér are two stations with a special structure, known as "gallery stations". A staircase from the underpass level leads to the platform level, thus forming a bridge between the higher situated and deep core stations. The modernisation of these stations only started in May last year, and it will take another two months before they are ready to open to passengers.
Reconstruction work is progressing at a steady pace, with the elevators providing barrier-free access almost completed, the replacement of the mechanical and electrical equipment nearing completion and the new look of the passenger areas taking shape.
The VIDEO SUMMARY and PHOTO COMPILATION give an insight into the state of the four stations as at mid-February.
Photos: Bence Horváth, Júlia Vincze
Video: Júlia Vincze
