Preparatory work for the 360-metre tunnel, featuring four lanes, is currently underway. Around 400,000 cubic metres of soil will have to be moved to build this tunnel.
Marc Ries, Head of the Diekirch Road Division at the Bridges and Roads Authority, cites the complex geological conditions, necessitating extensive stabilisation measures:
“We need to stabilise the sides, as we have found that the tectonics are very challenging to work with; the various layers of shale go in all directions. […] There are anchors that we need to place 10 to 20 metres deep into the ground to stabilise all sides.”
In addition to the tunnel, the interchange will feature four bridges. Overall, the interchange will be 4.4 kilometres long and is deemed crucial for the municipality of Hosingen. No fewer than 15,000 vehicles drive over the N7, the road that runs through Hosingen, every day.
While progress is evident, completion projections have shifted to 2030, a year later than previously anticipated. Delays stem from unforeseen geological challenges, particularly on a section of the project featuring layers of gravel from ancient river deposits. To address this, plans now include a 100-metre viaduct, requiring project adjustments.
The whole project is projected to cost €155 million.
Full report by RTL Télé (in Luxembourgish)
