Plans for the €350m project, financed in full by Luxembourg, were . It will increase from two to three lanes a section of the A3 motorway that links the Croix de Gasperich in Luxembourg with the French border, in both directions. The motorway, used by many border residents, sees around 90,000 vehicles pass by every day.

The transport ministry confirmed the start of works in January 2022, first reported by the Républicain Lorrain, to Delano’s sister publication Paperjam.

Destination 2027

“In a huge project like this, there can always be setbacks. In this case, several elements meant that the work could not be started," the ministry said about the delay of works, which were slated to begin in 2020. The Républicain Lorrain said that the delay concerns the acquisition of the land necessary for the construction of the third track.

Works are split into five phases:

1. Croix de Gasperich - Berchem area

2. Croix de Bettembourg - Dudelange-centre exit

3. Livange interchange - Livange viaduct

4. Croix de Bettembourg

5. Livange - Croix de Bettembourg

The project will start with the construction of the game bridge in Zoufftgen. The precise timetable for each phase could not be given. The total duration of the work is estimated at five years. During this period, the two lanes will be reduced to 70 km/h.

“It is difficult to say,” the ministry said about the impact on travel time during rush hour. “A speed modulation to 70km/h as is currently being piloted on the A6/1 may be beneficial to traffic flow.” As for alternative options for motorists, the ministry cited public transport.

While the work is intended to ease traffic on the A3, its main purpose is to facilitate access for lorries to the multimodal terminal in Bettembourg-Dudelange. On the French side, projects are also being studied to relieve congestion on the A31.

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.