© RTL
Motorists have been spotted careening through a 30 km/h zone near schools at a staggering speed of 80 kilometres per hour, just a stone's throw away from schools.
The notorious bend on Boulevard Dr E. Feltgen has proven to be a major challenge, luring drivers with its wide expanse, ideal for high-speed manoeuvres. Reports indicate that many drivers routinely navigate the bend at speeds ranging from 70 to 80 km/h. Compounding the issue is the fact that this bend lies within the confines of a designated 30 km/h zone.
The densely populated neighbourhood, teeming with multiple schools, is feeling the strain of this dangerous traffic, leaving residents deeply concerned. Mireille Lux, a local resident, expressed her worries, recounting past accidents where drivers failed to negotiate the bend and collided with parked cars. Lux lamented, "the volume of traffic is immense - mornings, afternoons, and even during quieter periods of the day, we witness reckless speeding and daredevil racing." The combination of heavy through traffic from the north heading towards Kirchberg, along with the influx of school traffic, has led to mounting frustration along the boulevard.
Patrik Bitomsky highlighted the alarming aggression displayed by some drivers during morning commutes, which has left parents fearful of crossing the street with their children. Numerous concerned neighbours have come forward, sharing similar distressing experiences with our colleagues from RTL.lu.
Immediate measures have been called for by residents to address this pressing issue. Their demands include the installation of more zebra crossings, digital traffic signs to display drivers' speed, and traffic-calming measures such as lane narrowing.
'The schools must finally be relocated'
However, residents are also urging authorities to consider long-term strategies. The Limpertsberg Neighbourhood Syndicate voiced concerns over the inadequate urban planning that has unfolded in the area over the past years and decades. Romain Diederich, a representative of the syndicate, criticised the lack of clear responsibility between the state and municipality. He emphasised the need for effective neighbourhood management, as Limpertsberg is not just part of any small community but the capital itself.
With over 10,000 residents, more than 5,000 students, and thousands of jobs in the vicinity, residents argue that achieving a shift from car-centric transportation to sustainable alternatives requires political will. They expressed their desire for the schools to be relocated, as was promised by local politicians, and for effective measures to deter through traffic.
In the coming years, the Lycée Michel Lucius and the LTC are expected to relocate, but the syndicate finds it "appalling" that Minister of Education Claude Meisch is considering opening a new public European school at the LTC site, a type of school which "will statistically attract more car-dependent parents compared to other public schools."
New mobility plan to guarantee citizen participation
Recognising that alleviating traffic woes requires collaboration between the city and the state, Luxembourg City officials stress the importance of offering viable alternatives to private transport. Patrick Goldschmidt, a member of the municipal executive board (Schäfferot), underlined the significance of public transportation and car-sharing initiatives. All stakeholders must unite in this endeavour, Goldschmit explained, as the road capacity has reached its limits, necessitating a shift towards other modes of transportation and effective traffic management to divert transit traffic away from residential areas.
A comprehensive mobility plan, incorporating feedback from local residents, is currently under development to address these concerns. The plan is expected to be finalised in the coming days, in order to allow the new municipal executive to use it in their planning after the summer.
New markings for Boulevard Dr E. Feltgen
Addressing the immediate need for safety enhancements, Goldschmidt assured residents that Boulevard Dr E. Feltgen would undergo immediate re-marking. New "Tempo-30" signs will be installed, accompanied by educational speed cameras to raise awareness among drivers about their speed.
Additionally, in the medium term, the neighbourhood’s underground network will be renovated, providing an opportunity to reorganize the boulevard and improve overall road conditions.
