A new pedestrian zone was recently set up in the capital and it now looks as though a shortcut through the centre popular with motorists is bound to disappear.
While some citizens want almost to drive into the shops, others prefer to stroll leisurely through the streets of the capital. In the upper town, the municipality has recently taken a stand: fewer cars and more room for soft mobility.
Since last week, Rue de la Boucherie and Rue du Marché-aux-herbes have become a pedestrian zone of roughly 200 metres, which does not seem to bother motorists. Deliveries are still allowed between 6am and 10am, bicycles are only allowed between 6pm and 10am.
The pandemic resulted in a change in mentality as terraces were created or extended due to health restrictions. This revitalisation of the Luxembourg City centre is something that the municipal authorities now wish to maintain.
There is still one route through the old town for motorists: from Rue Notre Dame via Rue du Fossé to Place du Théâtre. But, cars are actually no longer welcome in this 'meeting zone'. There is a driving ban from the former Luxembourg Athenaeum, located right next to the cathedral, but it is generally not respected. Many drivers leaving the Knuedler car park prefer to drive through this 'prohibited' zone to reach Place du Théâtre and leave the centre towards Côte d'Eich or Boulevard Royal instead of making a diversion through the René Konen tunnel.
These two streets still have a 'traditional' look, but once construction work at the Knuedler (Place Guillaume II) is completed, it will be covered with pavement to clearly indicate that motorists no longer have priority. This work should start in autumn at the latest.
Municipal authorities have not yet specified how access to this area will be controlled. Retractable bollards might be installed near the former athenaeum, similar to those that were set up on Grand-Rue last summer.
The Municipality of Luxembourg City will soon decide whether Rue Notre Dame and Rue du Fossé will be completely or partially closed to traffic, in consultation with residents, businesses, ministries, as well as the Chamber of Deputies.
In any case, municipal authorities are determined to restrict access to this shortcut, which is still very popular with motorists.
