The environmental organisation natur&ëmwelt has reiterated its opposition to the proposed Alzingen bypass, a project with an estimated cost of €390 million.
The planned road would cut through the Natura 2000 site Vallée supérieure de l’Alzette, a European Union-protected area designated for its importance to a wide variety of animal and bird species.
While natur&ëmwelt cannot propose a viable alternative route, Director Claudine Felten acknowledged that the proposed alignment, following the existing railway, likely results in the "smallest possible impact".
However, Felten highlighted that the construction itself, which would last for several years, would put significant strain on the local environment.
The organisation has also questioned whether building another road is the right response to traffic problems in Alzingen and Hesperange.
natur&ëmwelt argues that new roads typically only provide short-term relief, citing the example of the Dudelange motorway, which 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", Felten said, stressing that investment should instead focus on public transport, bus connections, and cycle paths.
The Alzette valley is particularly important for birds. The restored section of the Alzette near Schifflange now regularly hosts nesting white storks, and the area serves as an important 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.
"It is not just about species protection, it is also about climate protection", Felten added, explaining that natural river and wetland areas help retain water and strengthen flood protection.
The draft legislation for the Alzingen bypass has now been published. natur&ëmwelt had already voiced its opposition during the public consultation phase.
The organisation sees one positive aspect: compensatory measures for environmental impact must be completed before construction of the bypass begins.
This is important, Felten noted, as in other projects such measures have often only been implemented long after construction was finished.
Nevertheless, natur&ëmwelt does not intend to simply accept the project. The group not only wants to make its opposition clear but is also considering going further. "We are examining how far we can go legally to challenge the project", Felten concluded.
