Four-lane expansion of the N7: Analyzes are ongoing

Actually, the project to secure the N7 has long been dry. The financing law was passed in the Chamber on July 1, 2021. While work on the Hosingen bypass is in full swing, work on securing the “Dräibunn” from Fridhaff to Weiswampach should begin next year. But whether this will become a reality is still unclear at the moment.

Studies are currently underway that could delay the start of construction. The new black-blue government is thus implementing a plan that has already been set out in the coalition agreement: analyzes are being carried out on a four-lane expansion of the N7 at possible locations. Mobility Minister Yuriko Backes (DP) confirmed this in response to a parliamentary question from CSV MPs Christophe Hansen, Jeff Boonen, Emile Eicher and Charles Weiler.

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Backes emphasizes that the security project, as passed in the Chamber of Deputies, envisages “an expansion to two plus one lanes” and does not take into account an expansion of the national road to two by two lanes. “As stipulated in the coalition agreement, I have given the road construction administration the task of analyzing a possible widening of the N7 to two by two lanes, where possible,” the minister continued.

First the analyses, then the start of construction

The entire national highway should be secured within seven years. For the first lot between the “Lëpschter Delt” and Hoscheid-Dickt, the state already has all the necessary land and the first tender files based on the financing law of August 6, 2021 have been completed. Accordingly, work could begin in 2025.

“This date must of course be viewed depending on the possible results of the ongoing analysis of a four-track approach,” says Backes. In plain language: If it turns out that a four-lane expansion of the N7 is feasible in some locations, the long-awaited security could be extended further.

But even if the project is implemented as planned, two sections of the N7 will remain unaffected due to the existing development along the road. The securing of the route refers to the three sections between Fridhaff and Hoscheid-Dickt, Hosingen and Marnach and Fischbach and Weiswampach.

The section between Hoscheid-Dickt and Hosingen remains untouched

The section between Hoscheid-Dickt and Hosingen is one of the areas that is not included in the project. “A completely new road would have to be built, even using the three-lane principle. There is currently no analysis for this area that envisages an expansion to two by two lanes,” confirms the Mobility Minister.

The desire expressed by politicians and citizens for an official Park&Ride at the Schinker roundabout is also unlikely to become a reality for a long time. According to Yuriko Backes, this is neither included in the national P&R concept nor part of the national mobility plan 2035.