Work on the BELU cycling project officially began on 13 April 2026, marking the start of a new cross-border cycle path that will connect Arlon to Luxembourg.
The project is supported by the European Union under the Interreg Greater Region 2021–2027 programme and brings together six Belgian and Luxembourgish partners. The Public Service of Wallonia (SPW) Mobility and Infrastructure is acting as the lead partner.
On the Luxembourg side, the project concerns the 5.25-kilometre Kleinbettingen–Steinfort section of the PC12 cycle path. The route will be shifted to a safer alignment, providing direct access to Kleinbettingen railway station and a continuous link between Kleinbettingen, Hagen, and Steinfort via the former railway line.
Environmental measures have been integrated into the plans: the path will be locally diverted to preserve areas identified as sensitive habitats for certain species, including lizards.
The works, spearheaded by the National Roads Authority, are beginning in the municipality of Steinfort and are expected to be completed between May and June 2027.
Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes described the project, which is part of the EuroVelo 5 network, as an example of “exemplary cooperation” between the two countries, offering a sustainable alternative for daily commuting. Walloon Minister François Desquesnes also highlighted the benefits of mobility “built together, across borders” for thousands of cross-border workers.
The European Commission has welcomed the initiative as an important step towards more sustainable and better-integrated mobility in the Greater Region.
In Steinfort, the developments will connect the border to the old local railway line and secure the route towards Windhof. The municipality of Koerich will take charge of the link from Windhof to the existing path heading towards Luxembourg City.
Mayors Sammy Wagner of Steinfort and Daniel Wirth of Koerich have welcomed the project as a major step forward for active travel.
In Belgium, work is scheduled to begin in late 2026. The project will transform the area alongside the N4 into a high-performance cycle highway over approximately six kilometres. This will involve the redevelopment of several junctions, including the Birel junction, as well as the installation of suitable lighting. The work will be carried out by SPW MI and SOFICO, in collaboration with the municipality of Arlon.
Mayor Vincent Magnus described the cycle link as “much more than just infrastructure”, calling it a modern response to mobility challenges.
The project has a total budget of €9.86 million, 40% of which is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
In Wallonia, SOFICO will provide the majority of the funding, with additional support from SPW MI and the municipality of Arlon. In Luxembourg, funding is provided by the municipalities of Koerich and Steinfort, as well as the Ministry of Mobility.
All work is expected to be completed by early 2028, subject to construction contingencies.
