Residents of the Lallange neighbourhood can anticipate the resumption of normal traffic flow from 15 June, as Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, stretching from the Lallange crossroads to Avenue de la Paix, reopens its lanes. This was announced by the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette and the Bridges and Roads Authority.
The closure of Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, a vital thoroughfare in Esch-sur-Alzette, has been in effect since February 2023. Originally slated for reopening in April, the extensive construction faced delays due to challenging winter weather conditions in January and a tragic industrial accident in early July 2023, which claimed the life of a worker.
This reopening signals the completion of the initial phase of work on Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte. While a subsequent phase is anticipated, the municipality of Esch has not yet finalised scheduling details. The first phase laid the groundwork for the envisioned transformation of travel in Esch, outlined in the Local Mobility Plan 2035, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the “Iron Metropolis.”
The nearing completion of the project sets the stage for the introduction of the rapid tram system in Esch, linking Luxembourg City to Esch-Belval by 2035. Minister for Mobility Yuricko Backes aims to expedite the project, hoping for construction to start before the legislative term ends. The proposed high-speed tram route is set to traverse Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte from Lallange/Metzeschmelz, proceeding via Rue de Belvaux towards Boulevard Charles de Gaulle.
The introduction of the rapid tram along Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte will reshape the intersection near the Church of Lallange and Rue de Mondercange. Rue de Mondercange will be downgraded to a local road, allowing for a reduced speed limit of 30 kph and the establishment of a meeting zone adjacent to the forthcoming mixed-use Cactus project in Lallange.
The extensive construction on Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte has facilitated the creation of a long ramp, providing access to the underground car park of the future complex in Lallange. This complex is slated to include a Cactus hypermarket, alongside a shopping centre, a fitness centre, a crèche, and 67 flats. A spacious forecourt at the entrance to the future Cactus Lallange will offer views of the restructured boulevard, where the tram will eventually pass.
However, the opening of the future Cactus Lallange will be delayed. Originally targeted for completion in 2024, Gilles Feipel, head of marketing for the Cactus group, confirms that the opening will now take place in 2025, “and it won’t be at the beginning of the year.”
As Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte reopens, Avenue de la Paix will be temporarily closed to traffic on both sides of the Boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte crossroads from 15 June to 25 July. This closure is necessary for the installation of traffic lights and final underground infrastructure networks. To minimise disruption to access to the Lallange neighbourhood, Rue de Mondercange will be temporarily opened to traffic between the Lallange crossroads and Boulevard Hubert Clément during this period.
