The tram project will contribute to the urban renewald of the Howald neighbourhood, said the minister during a detailed digital presentation of the project. The five kilometres from the central station to the new stadium on Cloche d'Or represent an investment by the government of around half a billion euros.
No fewer than three large exchanges will be added on the new tram sections C and D, serving the south and east of the country. The most spectacular of these will be spanning the railways near rue des Scillas, allowing passengers to switch between bus, tram, rail, bike and car. The plan is not only to extend the tram rails, but also to build new roads, including the Hesperange-Alzingen bypass, which could enter the construction phase in 2023.
This would serve to significantly increase quality of life in Hesperange, turning it into a low traffic area, according to François Bausch. "This is why we've established a task force along with the council, just like we did in Esch-sur-Alzette, to maximise the benefit of whatever variant will be built. All studies are complete; I am only waiting for final details and the public procedure can be launched," said the minister.
Works have already started on the plateau in Bonnevoie, where the new national road 3 is expected to relieve traffic on route de Thionville. Regarding the planned tram route, the government is still in negotiations with two land holders on rue des Scillas. But these should not block the project either way, though it may mean that the tram will have to run single-track in two spots during the initial phase.
On the other side of the rails on Cloche d'Or, a new interior ring road should be completed by 2028 at the latest, when the rapid tram from Esch-sur-Alzette terminates here. This is expected to further relieve traffic in parts of the city, such as Boulevard de Merl and Boulevard de Cessange, all the way from Strassen to Cloche d'Or.
