The last condition required for starting the test run with passengers, along the newly built track of tram line 1, was the recently completed proof test load of Rákóczi bridge as well as the bridges at Nádorkerti úti and Budafoki út. In case the data collected over the test is completely evaluated and shows effective results, passengers of Budapest will soon have the possibility to use the new Újbuda section of tram line 1.
During the test more than a thousand tons of load will ride up on the bridge, said Kálmán Dabóczi. The chief executive officer of the Centre for Budapest Transport also added that in standard conditions the Rákoczi bridge will not have to stand a larger load than that. The head of BKK explained that the current test load, examining the strength of the bridge has a historical significance, since the structure has previously never undergone such a test load.
The Rákóczi bridge was built to safely hold the weight of trams even with a 15 ton axle load. The last test loads have been conducted on this bridge in 1996. At the time of the last test the tram track was not built yet, however additional road test loads were conducted to examine the bridge.
