The stretch of road leading into Luxembourg City is usually busy, but the roadworks have increased traffic, leading customers to avoid the area.
The construction site has been in place on Eecher Plaz for nearly three months, as new electricity, gas, water and internet works are laid, while attempting to affect traffic as little as possible. Cars are still able to circulate as normal through Place Dargent, although regular business traffic has seen some changes. Jérôme Fichou, owner of Restaurant Sapori, said that traffic is slow, but still able to pass through the area. However, people feel discouraged by the roadworks and thus avoid making journeys there.
Arlette Hinterscheid's shop and restaurant Gourmandises Permises had survived a number of roadworks in the area, but this one has proved too much. After 18 years, she was forced to make the difficult decision to close her doors for good.
She said that road closures especially affected her business, with customers choosing to go elsewhere. Although this was understandable, she pointed out she still had to pay employees' wages, rent and other running costs. Without customers, it was impossible to keep going.
Hinterscheid's fate constitutes the biggest worry of all for the owners of restaurants La Mirabelle and Sapori. The businesses employ a total of 31 people between them, but at the moment their lunchtime footfall has dropped significantly.
Dominique Colaianni, manager of La Mirabelle, said their clientele consisted of a number of regulars, who were affected by the accessibility. The drop in footfall was estimated to be around 30%.
The roadworks block access to a number of parking spots, now occupied by machines and materials. This has had an impact on clients. The two restaurants have now rented a car park across the road in the short term, hoping to encourage more customers to visit them despite the traffic issues.
Video in Luxembourgish
