Luxembourg's bus infrastructure: a new level or another obstacle?
Getty Images
Luxembourg's Minister of Mobility and Public Works presented an update on the project to create a dedicated bus lane on the N11 motorway between Waldhaff and Junglinster. This project is divided into three phases and aims to improve the efficiency of public transport. But although the plan is ambitious, its realisation is complicated by environmental and administrative issues.
The plan includes the construction of an additional lane and slope stabilisation using 'reinforced earth' technology, which should minimise damage to the environment, particularly the Gréngewald forest. Dynamic traffic flow control will be provided by special signalling systems that will adjust the direction of buses depending on the time of day. However, the project requires numerous permits, including environmental permits, some of which have expired, pushing back the start of work indefinitely.
In addition, the project is divided into three sites:
- N11/CR126 junction at Waldhaff, for which planning is complete but requires renewal of permissions.
- Section from Waldhaff Junction to N11/CR126 junction, where details are being finalised and requests to supervisory authorities are being prepared.
- The route from the N11/CR126 junction to the entrance to Gonderange, is still at the detailed design stage.
The environmental assessment, which takes into account the impact on the forest area, remains an equally important aspect. The Minister emphasised the need for an in-depth analysis with the proposal of compensatory measures to protect the ecosystem.
Against this background, the RGTR network's project to extend "express lines" is already showing success: out of 200 routes, 42 have been granted express status, which reduces journey times. Further development of such lines will depend on a detailed needs analysis.
