© Christophe Hochard / RTL
The bypass, which has been under discussion for more than 30 years, has pleased some while peeving others as the Sanem citizens' initiative fears environmental impact.
A new version of the Käerjeng bypass project has been in place since summer 2023, foreseeing a new road being built alongside the Käerjeng/Sanem railway station.
A factory is still operating on the site where the bypass is to be constructed. Although they have been offered a new location in Dudelange, the management, which is located in Paris, has not yet made a decision.
"Our plan is to work from both sides, meaning from the N5 towards the railway line, and from the Collectrice, where the Hanneboesch interchange is located, towards the Bobësch forest, where we will build external access roads to connect to the route," explained Roland Fox, Director of the National Roads Administration, in an interview with RTL. "The central section, where the factory is still located, will be completed last," he continued.
The leaders of BIGS, the citizens’ initiative in the municipality of Sanem, are not so pleased with the project. They argue that the municipality should prioritise public transport. "A Natura2000 area will be affected. Here, on this square, you have the Käerjeng/Sanem station. The line has double tracks. From what I know of the plans, a car park for 400 cars is to be built here. I would start with that to better manage car traffic,” said Patrizia Arendt, a member of BIGS.
However, residents of Käerjeng and Pétange are happy that the bypass is finally becoming a reality, said Michel Wolter, the mayor of Käerjeng. "The first calls for tenders have been issued. As a municipality, we have been fighting for this for 35 years. This road will considerably improve the quality of life for my residents."
