Reckange, a relatively quiet village with around 600 inhabitants, experiences frequent traffic violations, particularly on Rue de Septfontaines, where speed limits are often ignored.
Longtime resident Véronique Siebenaller, who has lived in the village for 60 years, 17 of them on Rue de Septfontaines, notes that the situation has worsened in recent years. While she doesn’t mind the traffic itself, she emphasises that “motorists could at least respect the 50km/h limit.” The problem lies in the long, straight stretch of road that encourages drivers to enter the village at high speeds or to accelerate too early when heading towards Hollenfels.
Residents have repeatedly called for measures to slow down the speeding drivers but have been met with a lack of action from local authorities. According to Siebenaller, the municipality of Mersch claims it cannot address the issue because Rue de Septfontaines is a state road. On the other hand, the Bridges and Roads Authority asserts that it cannot reduce the width of the road or build obstacles due to insufficient land.
The ongoing back-and-forth between local authorities and the Bridges and Roads Authority has left residents feeling increasingly frustrated and concerned for their safety.
Siebenaller argues that other, simpler, and less costly solutions are effectively implemented in other municipalities and countries.
Specifically, Siebenaller and other residents have proposed installing speed cushions or speed bumps along Rue de Septfontaines to mitigate speeding without disrupting other road users. These devices, designed to slow vehicles down, are seen as a practical solution. However, the Bridges and Roads Authority opposes this approach, arguing that the road would need complete demolition for such installations. Mayor Michel Malherbe shares reservations about this idea, citing concerns over noise disturbance to residents and potential complications during winter maintenance.
According to Mayor Malherbe, discussions with the Bridges and Roads Authority have explored alternatives like narrowing the road, but identifying suitable land remains a challenge.
The Bridges and Roads Authority contends that adjustments within built-up areas like Reckange require approval from local authorities. Curiously, however, the authority in charge of Luxembourg’s roads has not confirmed that it is against the installation of speed bumps, and if so, why. No official wished to answer this question.
