Cycling from Arlon to Luxembourg City via dedicated cycle routes is becoming a reality. This Monday marked the ceremonial first spade for the BELU cycle path, a project being delivered through the European Interreg initiative for the Greater Region.
A section of the route will follow the existing PC 12 cycle path, which connects Pétange to Colmarberg and runs along the former Charly railway line.
In Hoen, residents supported by a citizens’ initiative from Steinfort have been opposing works on the section of the route running behind their homes along the streets ‘An der Laach’ and ‘Op der Barriär’. The planned cycle path passes close to the boundaries of their properties.
Residents argue that neither the state nor local elected representatives provided sufficient information about the project. However, both the mayor of Steinfort, Sammy Wagner, and the project owner, the Bridges and Roads Authority directorate, reject this claim. The residents have since referred the matter to the Ombudsman and contacted the press.
They maintain that building “according to the best standards” would require a different approach and warn of potential negative impacts of the construction works on both people and the natural environment.
Residents stress that they are not opposed to the cycle path itself.
However, they raise concerns linked to the fact that the route follows a former railway line, where materials treated with substances such as creosote were historically used. Railway sleepers and rails are being removed as part of the works, according to the director of the
Bridges and Roads Authority, Roland Fox, who stated that all required authorisations are being respected.
Environmental permits are in place, as is a building permit issued by the municipality, based on the PAG. The mayor said the municipality is not responsible for environmental decisions.
Residents are also concerned about the use of railway ballast in the construction of the cycle path. They fear that contaminated material could release substances during the works, and potentially during heavy rainfall afterwards, given that their properties lie at a lower level than the planned path.
The ballast is described as being contaminated with creosote.
Studies have identified the presence of lizards in the area, meaning the Bridges and Roads Authority must ensure their habitat is preserved or restored. The destruction of biotopes is being addressed through compensatory measures on site, as well as a payment of around €61,000 to the Ministry of the Environment.
A surveying firm, FONDASOL, reportedly found that in around one third of soil samples taken from the embankment, contamination levels were too high for acceptance at a Luxembourg landfill site. Residents say this raises questions that should be addressed by the Ministry of the Environment.
