Years ago, the authorities had already announced the road closure as a compensation measure for the A7 motorway which has since opened. The topic has reemerged with the discussion surrounding the Grünewald's classification, as authorities discuss the necessity of the road again.
In the municipality of Junglinster, the CSV is calling for the route to remain open. CSV MPs have even supported an ADR motion on the issue, although two MPs abstained.
Françoise Hetto is both a CSV MP representing the eastern constituency and alderman in the Junglinster municipal council. She maintained that the CR119 is a crucial bypass and stressed that this view is shared by the municipality's residents. The municipal authorities have already received more than 500 letters from residents who oppose the decision to close the CR119.
Hetto pointed out that the eastern area of the country is already neglected in terms of public transport and that many motorists use the CR119 to avoid motorway traffic. As she explained, many residents living in Larochette, Heffingen, Imbringen, Eisenborn and Godbrange use the route. If the road closes, then all that traffic will move to the N11, which would not be an environmentally friendly move.
The MP thus maintained that this would not do the Grünewald area any favours. The minister charged with the project, Minister for Mobility and Public Works François Bausch, reassured the MP, reminding her of a guarantee made four years ago. First, a merging lane is being built from Stafelter towards Waldhof, which will be followed by a crossing with traffic lights and a bus lane connecting Junglinster and Kirchberg. Only once all these developments have been completed will the authorities examine whether the CR119 should be closed.
Work on the CR125 is only due to start by the end of 2020 or beginning of 2021, which, Bausch explained, means that nothing concerning the CR119 will change before 2022. He also said that there would be a test phase of another year to determine the success of the redevelopment. If the changes prove successful, then the authorities would conclude that the CR119 is no longer needed.
The minister also pointed out that if the CR119 closed, it would mean a two-minute detour for many. He argued that this extra time is no high cost to pay for environmental protection.
