Discussions surrounding the bypass began over 50 years ago, with the project finally coming to fruition last June, when construction was launched. The 4.4 kilometre bypass was estimated to be completed in 2029, with a budget of around 155 million euros. The vast project includes eight structures, with four underpasses, two overpasses, a tunnel and a wildlife bridge. But new information has come to light which could have repercussions on the cost and duration of the build.
In some locations, including the “Frongfeld” and in the “An der Méilchen” plots, engineers will have to dig even deeper than originally planned, up to 25 metres below ground level. According to the Roads and Bridges Authority, the second location is a wet biotope, with plans to build a bridge there, but now the work will need to be adapted due to previously unknown “geological and geotechnical particularities”, meaning the bridge will likely be extended beyond its original length.
Parc Hosingen mayor Romain Wester said he had been told that the works would need to be dug deeper in order to find a solid foundation. The locations mentioned appear to have a gravel layer, which is unusual for the Oesling region. These are thought to be remnants of prehistoric glaciers or rivers, usually washed away over thousands of years by water seeping into the ground, although in this case, that does not appear to have happened.
Wester remains optimistic and said he believes the situation will not heavily impact the bypass construction. The Roads and Bridges Authority indicated that this section is not a critical part of the project, but could be carried out separately from the rest of the construction.
Find out more about the Hosingen bypass project on the municipal website.
