The face of Boulevard Roosevelt and Place de la Constitution (Gëlle Fra) has been in a state of transformation ever since the roadworks on the boulevard began on 22 July 2019. By the beginning of November 2019, the bus and cycling lanes will be open to traffic.
The press conference detailed how public transport will be prioritised in both directions alongside a safer and larger space for cyclists and pedestrians walking between the city centre and the central station. The main force of improvement is the bus lane leading towards Place de la Constitution.
A further change will make the parking spaces along the Corniche a relic of the past, although the route will still be accessible to drivers. The trees along the Corniche will also be cut down, but again will be replaced with new trees.
Once the tram route connecting the city centre with the Central station is in operation, municipal buses will no longer travel via the Adolphe Bridge. One hopes this will prevent congestion. Instead, these busses will rejoin the other side of the city via the Viaduct (or Passerelle).
RGTR buses, on the other hand, will no longer run via Boulevard Roosevelt once the tram begins linking the two parts of the city. Lydie Polfer estimated that around 40 municipal buses will travel along the new boulevard during rush hours. All bus stops, pavements, and cycling lanes will also be adapted to be suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Alongside Boulevard Roosevelt's facelift, the authorities are also completely changing the face of Place de la Constitution. Notably, the square will no longer be a car park and will instead become a multifunctional site with a tourist information pavilion, a retail unit, a space for a small restaurant or food truck, and access to the casemates.
Finally, the general redevelopment plan will also see the construction of a lift connecting the square to the Pétrusse valley. However, the plan to recruit architects for the development is not due to launch until October. Work is expected to start at the beginning of summer 2020.
