Fixing the Holes in Winter: How Budapest Is Repairing Its Streets One Pothole at a Time
If you’ve ever taken a ride through Budapest after a few weeks of icy weather, you’ve probably noticed the city’s other famous attraction — potholes. They pop up like unexpected souvenirs of winter across the capital’s beautiful streets. But behind the scenes, an impressive repair effort is underway. The city’s road authority, Budapest Közút, has been working day and night to patch up the damage caused by relentless freezing, thawing, and rain.
In recent weeks, the winter weather has been especially harsh, leaving deep scars in the asphalt. The team at Budapest Közút responded by increasing their capacity fourfold — crews now repair about 1,000 potholes every single day, working tirelessly through weekends, late nights, and early mornings. Over one weekend alone, they managed to fix 1,640 potholes, proving that even in rough conditions, the city keeps moving forward.
A round-the-clock mission under the streets of Budapest
On a typical winter morning, bright orange vests and road repair trucks can be seen in several districts — including the 10th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 20th, 21st, and 23rd — as workers cut, fill, and smooth the roads back to safety. According to Budapest Közút, repairs are carefully coordinated based on progress during the day, with afternoon and night shifts scheduled dynamically to keep momentum.
The crews are now using hot asphalt technology, a more durable fix compared to quick cold-weather patches. This method ensures that the repairs last longer, marking a hopeful shift as temperatures begin to rise. The goal is ambitious: by the end of the month, the majority of the city’s 1,100 kilometers of roads managed by the municipality will show visible improvement.
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A message from City Hall
In a recent statement, Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony thanked the workers for their relentless commitment and asked residents for patience during what he called a “pothole emergency.” “We’re working with increased capacity, around the clock — weekends, days, and nights alike,” he said. “The thaw is finally allowing us to use the durable hot-asphalt technology, and by the end of the month, everyone will see the results.”
Daily updates, known as the “pothole report”, are publicly available on budapest.hu, budapestkozut.hu, and the city’s official social media channels, where locals can track progress and see which areas are being repaired.
A city always under care
For tourists planning a trip to Budapest, roadworks may occasionally slow traffic, but they’re also a sign of the city’s vitality and care for its infrastructure. Budapest is not just preserving its architectural beauty but also ensuring that its streets remain safe and seamless for both residents and visitors.
So as you stroll along the Danube, admire the Parliament or the Chain Bridge, remember that beneath the surface, a dedicated team is working hard — often through the night — to keep the city running smoothly. In Budapest, even pothole repairs tell a story of resilience, teamwork, and progress.