Bettembourg faces traffic disruption as bridge replacement project starts in March

The affected road in this vicinity will remain closed until the year's end, rendering it inaccessible, including the main traffic route of Bettembourg. Extensive diversions will be implemented on both sides, circumventing the town centre. Further details about the project and its impact will be shared during an information meeting organised by the Bridges and Roads Authority on Monday evening.

Mayor Laurent Zeimet asserts that the construction work is "absolutely necessary." He explains that the existing bridge, having served for 50 years, has "simply reached the end of its functional lifespan." The plan is to replace it with a bow construction, suspended from two arches. This assembly will take place on-site and culminate in the bridge's erection during the summer. Consequently, train services will be temporarily interrupted from mid-July to mid-August, necessitating the use of replacement buses for passengers. Temporary bus stops will be established on both sides of the bridge during this period.

Local business owners are worried

Local business owners, such as Nadine Stefanutti Larosch, owner of a bar on Rue de la Gare in Bettembourg, express concerns about potential repercussions. The proximity of the planned replacement bus stops to Larosch's establishment raises worries about customer accessibility.

She reflects on the potential impact, stating, "Of course, we're worried about whether people are prepared to endure traffic jams to go for a drink in the evening. And also the clubs that sometimes come in the evening after their meetings, whether they will still go out of their way to come here if it is no longer directly on their way."

Elio Flammia and Gosia Czarnecka, owners of a tailoring shop a few metres from the construction site, also express concerns about a potential decline in customers. Unlike insurance branches with regular patrons, their business relies more on spontaneous customers. Elio Flammia fears, "If the bridge is closed, nobody will come."

© Anne Wolff

Approximately one kilometre outside the town centre, there is a small shopping centre housing a supermarket and several other shops, including a hobby shop. The manager of this establishment foresees a challenging period not only for customers but also for employees who may experience increased commute times due to traffic jams. As a result, the manager is making preparations for longer journeys to work starting in March.

Contrary to these concerns, the Bettembourg Business Association views the construction site as an opportunity. President Anibal Da Cruz sees the project as a catalyst for increased pedestrian activity, anticipating that more people will be out and about. While acknowledging the need for businesses to adapt and be flexible, he remains optimistic about regular customers continuing to patronise local shops despite the construction.

Da Cruz emphasises that the majority of the shops in Bettembourg operate in the service sector and will continue to be needed. He also expects the potential rise in pedestrian traffic to make shops in the town centre more visible.

Nadine Stefanutti Larosch is exploring proactive measures to mitigate the impact, considering the possibility of opening earlier and offering coffee and croissants to go. However, for other establishments like the tailor shop, adapting to the changing circumstances may pose more significant challenges.