The bridge connecting Cents and Kirchberg has been a topic of discussion for the past 15 years. The new structure is supposed to be installed 50 metres up in the air above Neudorf and extend over 220 metres. A lift will additionally be constructed to allow people to reach the bridge from below. The construction project is set to be up for vote before the end of the year, and expected to be concluded by 2025.
Monique Goldschmit, president of provëlo.lu, approves of the initiative: “We are convinced that this will substantially improve the everyday experience of cyclists, especially for people working in Kircherbg and Cents.”
The bridge is also supposed to help facilitate the connection with the National Sports and Culture Centre “d’Coque”. Furthermore, a playground will be constructed in Neudorf near the lift, thus helping to revitalise the Luxembourg City district.
In recent years, critics often claimed that the designated area was not ideal for the bridge. However, the municipal council has conducted an analysis of the location and concluded that it is the most adequate spot for a bridge, also due to the fact that the city owns that part of land. The association provëlo.lu also approves of the location.
Nevertheless, both in Cents and Neudorf, associations have expressed their dismay over the new bridge. People are mostly concerned about environmental aspects, such as the destruction of additional green areas or the nightly light pollution from the bridge. Furthermore, the construction will rob some of the Neudorf residents of their privacy, given that people will be able to see inside their houses from the bridge.
Although the designated location is technically speaking the shortest distance, local residents still question whether the bridge has a practical location in terms of where it leads.
The bridge is expected to cost around €18 million. Back in 2016, a petition already gathered 1,600 signatures for its support, and provëlo.lu is convinced that the project will turn out to be a success, similar to the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator.
