Climate, Durability, Mobility
Cross-border cycling infrastructure progresses between Belgium and Luxembourg with the General Secretariat as ‘observer’ in the Interreg Grande Région project
29 Jan. 2025
Belgium and Luxembourg are strengthening their cooperation in sustainable mobility. During the meeting of the Interreg Grand Region Cycling Infrastructure Development Project BELU – INTGR0100022 on January 29, the partners, including the Benelux General Secretariat, reviewed the progress of an ambitious project: the development of a secure and efficient cross-border cycling infrastructure.
A 10 km cycle route between Arlon and Luxembourg
Approved by the Interreg Grande Région programme, this project is being carried out by six Belgian and Luxembourg partners, with the SPW Mobilité et Infrastructures (SPW MI) as lead partner. It includes: 6 km of cyclostrade on the N4 between the town of Arlon on the Belgian side and the Luxembourg border, and 4 km of upgrading of a former bypass line on the Luxembourg side, linking Luxembourg City via Steinfort and Koerich.
The project is designed to meet the strong potential for cycling, with several tens of thousands of commuters travelling between Arlon and Luxembourg City every day.
An investment of €10 million
The project is receiving 40% European funding (ERDF). In Wallonia, SOFICO, SPW MI and the City of Arlon are providing the funding, while Luxembourg is mobilising its resources via the Ministry of Mobility, the Administration des Ponts et Chaussées and the partner municipalities.
A project in its key phase
The studies are progressing with the appointment of a joint design office and the preparation of the administrative and financial aspects. Work will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for early 2028, subject to technical contingencies.
A commitment to sustainable mobility
Over and above the infrastructure, this project illustrates cross-border cooperation and the commitment of the two countries to greener, safer and more efficient mobility. With this initiative, Belgium and Luxembourg are taking a step towards a sustainable, high-performance cycle network.
The project may also serve as a source of inspiration for similar projects on other Benelux borders.
The Benelux involvement
On 14 July 2020, the Benelux transport ministers presented European Commissioner Frans Timmermans with a political declaration expressing their support and confidence in the use of bicycles in the Benelux.
Following the signing of the Benelux Cycling Declaration, the three countries and North Rhine-Westphalia commissioned a one-off study entitled ‘Cost-benefit analysis of cycling in the Benelux and North Rhine-Westphalia’, including specific projects and measures to encourage cross-border cycling. The cycle path between the towns of Arlon and Luxembourg is highlighted in this plan.
On 12 November 2024, the project partners accepted the Benelux General Secretariat’s request to become a ‘methodological partner’, i.e. to take on an observer role in the project.
photo (c) : MMTP-PCH
