The transition from two to three lanes on the A3 motorway may not provide the solution that many motorists hope for, as it will be reserved for certain types of transport.
Work to extend the Luxembourg-France motorway to three lanes began last April, with motorists having to acclimatise to the ongoing congestion linked to the construction site. Commuters on Luxembourg's busiest motorway have since had to make do with two reduced lanes and no hard shoulder.
On Thursday, François Bausch, the Minister for Mobility and Public Works, told RTL 5Minutes that work was progressing well, with the three lanes expected to open by the start of 2027, barring no unforeseen obstacles. The project was always expected to take five years, he added.
Although the lengthy duration of the work may frustrate some motorists who are eager to make use of the additional lane, it is worth noting that, once open, this lane will only be accessible to vehicles under certain conditions.
Bausch highlighted that the new third lane will be reserved exclusively for carpooling vehicles, as well as public transport. "There must be at least three people in a vehicle," he told RTL 5Minutes, with "digital control devices" to be installed along the route to ensure the rule is followed.
"Switching to three lanes so that motorists are alone in their cars is useless," Bausch said. The project will rely on carpooling to relieve congestion on the A3, while simultaneously increasing the capacity for transport.
However, the minister is well aware that motorists are unlikely to start carpooling without good incentives. "Having a digital platform is helpful, but there do need to be advantages, " he explained to RTL 5Minutes. One idea is the possibility of offering free parking to people who carpool - however, at this point, it remains but an idea.
What is certain, however, is that the decision to reserve the new third lane for carpooling will cause a stir among Luxembourg's drivers.
