In anticipation of the tram's arrival to Esch-Belval, the mobility plan for the next decade was presented to the local council of Esch-sur-Alzette on Friday.
Several boulevards are wide enough for two tree-lined car lanes, bus lanes, and a separate two-way bike lane. However, the space needed for the tram line also means that several parking spaces will have to be removed.
Lucien Malano from the technical department of the City of Esch explains:
"If you count the lanes of all the roads in the concerned area, you'll establish that you have a ratio of ten to one, i.e. ten lanes reserved for individual traffic, whether driving or parking, and just one reserved for public transport. In the future, we would like to move towards a 1 to 1 ratio. Where there have only been buses until now will be a mix of buses and trams, and this will naturally require more space."
Now that the plan has been widely approved, the question arises as to why these ideas are only now being implemented. CSV local councillor Pascal Hermes, in particular, laments that they have lost 20 years with the constructions in Esch-Belval.
The plan will be implemented in several phases, with an expected launch in 2032.
