Transit traffic has long been choking Hesperange, leading to discussions on a proposed bypass for some time now. The process of implementing the bypass has also broadly been delayed and obstructed by procedural applications, as the area is surrounded by the Natura 2000 protected zone. In order to get around consent issues related to the protected zone, Bausch proposed an alternative to the municipal authorities of Hesperange, namely a tunnel.
Bausch's revised project proposes the construction of two tunnels underneath the Natura 2000 zone and the Fennerbësch, which would leave both areas intact. The minister espoused the benefits of a tunnel option, arguing that in addition to alleviating traffic from going through the roads of the municipality, there would be less noise and pollution disrupting the area.
Asked about how matters would proceed, the minister elaborated on a timeline. The ministry is examining how feasible the tunnel option would be, alongside other variants of the bypass. By March, the proposals will be presented to Fentange and Roeser residents as a public consultation. In Bausch's timeline, the proposal should be ready for the government council by autumn. According to the minister, the council would quickly come to a decision and the bypass and its tunnels could be operational in 2027 already.
The projected timeline will certainly raise the eyebrows of the residents of Bascharage. The funding law for the Bascharage bypass was approved more than a year ago, but work has yet to begin.
As for the delays to this other bypass, Bausch again pinpointed environmental procedures as adding to the paperwork required. First of all, compensationary measures must be approved by the Environmental Agency. The minister expects the first phase of roadworks to begin in autumn 2020, namely by the roundabout near Bascharage's station.
