“The transport between Metz and Luxembourg is very good”
Posted
A31bis“The transport between Metz and Luxembourg is very good”
LUXEMBOURG/THIONVILLE – While the public consultation on the A31 bis is coming to an end, part of the economic and political world believes in this project. Opponents make their voices heard and offer alternatives.
The public consultation for the A31bis project is coming to an end with, on February 2, a final meeting in Thionville, which should condense the grievances of residents and future users of this new section of motorway. The synthesis is eagerly awaited, as long as the long-discussed project arouses criticism and opposition.
For many people living nearby, the idea of setting up such a large and costly new infrastructure by 2035 is dated. Many believe that this will in no way solve the traffic difficulties towards Luxembourg, and that the secondary network could be greatly impacted, both during the works and afterwards. Several reasons for this: depending on the option chosen, the cost of bypassing Thionville would cost between 290 and 630 million euros, which would require the establishment of a toll. However, there is no guarantee that users will agree to pay up to 176 euros per month for the circular between Thionville and Luxembourg.
Telework as a solution?
The collective called Alternatives 31 is campaigning for other solutions, which have been put forward in particular at the various public meetings. Among them, the need to promote teleworking in Luxembourg, in order to reduce the number of cars on the roads, incentives for carpooling or even the ban on the circulation of heavy goods vehicles during rush hour.
This last proposal is far from unanimous in the economic world. Asked about France Bluethe CEO of the Manuloc group, based in Metz and specializing in handling services for companies, believes that “the movement of goods is essential and that the motorway is not a mode of circulation of the past”.
Very involved in the discussions on the A31 bis, Catherine Barthélémy is one of the fervent defenders of the project which she considers “vital for the economy and employment”. “The transport between Metz and Luxembourg is done very well,” she told our colleagues during the interview. A short sentence that has raised criticism, especially from users on social networks, and which illustrates the lively debate around the future highway…