Minister for Mobility and Public Works Yuriko Backes visited Reichlange on Wednesday to inaugurate a new roundabout replacing an old junction that had been deemed problematic.
She was joined by Redange/Attert mayor Henri Gerekens, who welcomed the completion of a long-awaited project at an intersection where three national roads – the N12, N22 and N23 – meet. The area has long been considered an accident blackspot.
Given the strategic importance of the road node and the risks associated with the old intersection, the state decided to completely redesign the layout of the site. The objective was to eliminate danger spots, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety for all road users.
The minister stated that the inauguration of the roundabout, the rehabilitation of the bridge, and the new cycle and pedestrian bridge mark an important step toward smoother and safer mobility for both the municipality and the wider region. “These developments illustrate the shared desire of the state and the municipality to promote cycling and to offer modern infrastructure, designed for the daily lives of users,” Backes said.
The works, launched on 2 April 2024, were organised in stages to guarantee continuous traffic flow despite the scale of the project. The new roundabout was built from scratch, featuring new pavements, parking spaces, entirely renewed street lighting, and modernised combined sewer, rainwater, and electrical networks. The weather station used for winter road management was also relocated. The cycle and pedestrian facilities and bus stops were designed to meet accessibility standards.
The Diekirch highways division of the National Roads Authority handled the design and coordination of the project. Once the roadworks were completed, the Nature and Forest Agency installed a “swallow tower,” while the municipality carried out landscaping and placed an illuminated sculpture in the centre of the roundabout.
At the same time, the OA318 bridge was entirely rehabilitated and complemented by a new bridge dedicated to cyclists. This provides a direct, safe, and comfortable route separated from motorised traffic. It integrates into the development of the municipal, regional, and national cycle network and constitutes an essential link in encouraging cycling. With its generous space and continuous route, the bridge facilitates daily journeys and enhances the appeal of active travel in the region.
