We’ve Broken the Curse – Barrel Rolling on the New Danube Bridge
Long ago, bridge builders struck a deal with the devil: help us build safely and without delay, and in return, the first soul to cross the bridge would be his. To cheat this dark bargain, a tradition was born—before any person set foot on a newly completed bridge, a wine barrel would be rolled across it first. The barrel would absorb the curse, then be tapped open so the builders could celebrate their creation in peace.
On March 14, 2024, this time-honored ritual was brought to life on the brand-new Danube Bridge connecting Paks and Kalocsa. A barrel rolled across the nearly one-kilometer-long deck to ward off bad luck—and HSP was proud to be part of this symbolic moment.
We’ve been involved in this monumental project from day one. From floating and placing the casing elements and guard walls, to piling and heavy lifting, our team played a key role throughout. The prefabricated bridge segments were transported from Csepel to Kalocsa on our barges and hoisted into place using the Clark Ádám floating crane. With the same equipment, we installed the formwork trolleys that enabled the assembly of further bridge sections.
We built and operated the site’s barge bridge and provided complete on-water logistics for all marine construction and installation phases. Even now, as the project nears completion, we continue to handle rescue operations on water, provide crew transport, and maintain a 24/7 standby service aboard our stationed floating units.
Being part of the 800-strong bridge-building team since the summer of 2021 has left a lasting mark on HSP. Over the past three years, a bridge has risen that we will proudly drive across and sail beneath. We’ve left our mark on many major infrastructure projects before—but this one holds a special place in our hearts.
Though the technical handover is just weeks away, our work is far from over. Once removed, the guard walls will be lowered onto our barges and floated away from the piers. Final touches are underway: sealing and paving the bridge deck, applying corrosion protection, installing railings and fixtures, setting up lighting, and adding navigational signs and aviation warning lights. We continue to operate the barge bridge and supply rescue boats, supporting the final dismantling of on-water construction units.
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