Bypass
A 390 million euro road through a protected wetland. The environmental group natur&ëmwelt says it is examining legal options to stop it.
The planned Alzingen bypass would cut through the Vallée supérieure de l'Alzette, a Natura 2000 site protected under European Union law for its importance to a wide variety of animal and bird species. The draft legislation has been published, and natur&ëmwelt has reiterated its opposition.
Claudine Felten, the organisation's director, acknowledged that the proposed alignment, following the existing railway, likely results in the smallest possible impact. But she highlighted that the construction itself, lasting several years, would put significant strain on the local environment.
The organisation questions whether building another road is the right response to traffic problems in Alzingen and Hesperange. New roads typically provide only short-term relief, Felten said, citing the Dudelange motorway. It was originally intended to ease traffic elsewhere but has since required expansion due to increasing volumes. "Building new roads is known to bring more traffic," she said, arguing that investment should focus on public transport, bus connections, and cycle paths instead.
The Alzette valley is particularly important for birds. The restored section near Schifflange regularly hosts nesting white storks. The area serves as a stopover and feeding ground during migration. In winter, large flocks of Eurasian curlews can be observed. The Natura 2000 site could also provide a refuge for species that used to nest in local meadows, such as the northern lapwing.
Felten added that it is not just about species protection but also climate protection. Natural river and wetland areas help retain water and strengthen flood protection.
One positive note: compensatory measures for environmental impact must be completed before construction begins. Felten noted that in other projects, such measures have often been implemented long after construction finished.
Despite this concession, natur&ëmwelt does not intend to simply accept the project. "We are examining how far we can go legally to challenge the project," Felten concluded.