Those planning to refuel along the M7 highway near the Croatian border towards Budapest might face unexpected closures.
A colleague traveling to Budapest noticed several service stations shuttered due to ongoing works.
Upon inquiry with the Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development PLC (Magyar Koncessziós Infrastruktúra Fejlesztő Zrt.), the press department revealed the closures are part of a nationwide refurbishment effort starting March 20. As of now, three service stations on the M7 are closed:
- Zalakomár rest area at 194 km, operated by INA (MOL)
- Balatonlelle rest area at 138 km, MOL
- Sóstó rest area at 95 km, MOL
For travelers heading to the capital, the following stations remain operational:
- Keresztúri rest area at 167 km, SHELL
- Lepsény rest area at 84 km, MOL
Post-Lepsény, all stations are accessible towards Budapest. However, the Fehérvári SHELL station is also undergoing refurbishment from April 8 to 22, funded independently by the company.
This brings the total to four closures on the M7 towards Budapest.
The MKIF has considered various factors in scheduling detours to minimize disruptions. These include distance between detours, ensuring "breathing segments" where continuous sections are not immediately followed by new detours, and adjustments for the summer peak season to avoid major works between Budapest and Balaton during holidays. The goal is to complete contractually obligated works with minimal restriction.
Travelers from the border towards Budapest need to plan for additional distances due to these closures. For instance, the closure of the Zalakomár station means using the Keresztúri station instead, adding approximately 30 km to the journey, and the closure of Balatonlelle requires a detour to Lepsény, adding 55 km. The MKIF pledges timely updates on traffic restrictions and detours through their
Facebook page, official website, and the National Road Information Service.
Last year's efforts focused on the main thoroughfares, but this year, junctions and ramps requiring new surfaces due to wear will also be addressed.
The ongoing M7 works, including junction closures, are expected to conclude by the end of May, with some detours lifting by the end of April, according to MKIF plans.