The opening date for traffic on this immense worksite is planned for September 23, 2015. It will link Kirchberg and Ettelbruck over 31.5 kilometers, crossing Lorentzweiler, Mersch and Colmar Berg.
Initiated before the ‘50s, this project has gathered as many unexpected developments as critics, both for its duration and its cost. However, its objective is clear: considerably reduce the travel time and increase the dynamism of the region. Isn’t this what should be remembered only a few months away from the opening of the Nordstross? Here’s a look back on the key dates of this project.

Origins of the project

Begun in the early ‘30s, the project’s progress was quickly interrupted at the end of the Second World War to make room for other projects that were deemed a priority.
Throughout the ‘50s, the outlines of the European network took shape in Geneva. Some of them concerned Luxembourg directly, such as the Metz-Luxembourg, the Karlsruhe-Sarrebruck-Luxembourg and the Luxembourg-Metz-Nancy arteries.
Pressure about the necessary of this road would increase over the years. Throughout the ‘60s, its construction was included in the general program for a large conduit in Luxembourg. We heard about “a new road from Luxembourg to Ettelbruck starting from the boulevard bypassing Luxembourg City (Strassen), with a connection to the road from the Alzette.” Still, priority was given in around the ‘70s to implementing the highway linking France and Belgium to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The Ettelbruck bypass was opened in 1989.
Throughout the 1990s, inhabitants and ecological activists demonstrated their opposition to the project, fearing the impact on their quality of life and the effects on the environment. Debates centered mainly on the construction of variants, including viaducts and tunnels along the Alzette valley. Finally, the “eastern” variant would win the vote of the Chamber of Deputies and took its definitive outline in 1995. The Northern Road would be connected to the Trèves highway starting from Kirchberg (rather than Strassen), cross the Gréngewals, pass through the Grouft, skim the Alzette Valley and join the Mersch bypass.
The first segments were inaugurated in 1996 and 2001.

An enormously complicated project – and a budget to match!

Four tunnels were dug after starting the project in 1998. The longest one, in Grouft, near Lorentzweiler, stretches for nearly three kilometers, passing underneath forests and fields throughout nearly its entire length. The Stafelter tunnel was the last link in the chain of the Nordstross.
It extends from the Echternach road in the south to the place known as “Mägrond” in the north, on the Heeschdrëferbierg plateau, passing underneath the forested areas of Gréngewald.
The numerous studies carried out before the construction did not help to prevent issues with waterproofing and fragility. All of these elements not only extended the duration of the project, but also its cost.
Initially, the overall budget for the construction of the Nordstross was 492 million euros, but finally, more than 700 million euros was invested in the project. This makes the A7 the most expensive construction project ever implemented in Luxembourg.

Considerable advantages for drivers and for the region

Although it has been highly criticized and has led to several controversies for years now, this road will still facilitate the daily lives of users and will contribute to the economic and touristic development of the region. You will need only 20 minutes to reach Kirchberg from Ettelbruck.
Considering the constant increase in the price of real estate in Luxembourg, it is sure that many buyers will be less hesitant to move to the north of the country. Those looking for quality of life as well as a quick access to the capital, where their workplace is generally located, will choose this alternative, which is rather appealing from a financial point of view. Indeed, the prices there are two times less expensive than in the center!

There are only a few weeks left to wait to take the new Northern Road! But drivers, be patient – the first users of the N7 will be runners and Nordic walking enthusiasts. On September 13, for the official ceremonies, the Luxembourg Cross-Country Running Federation will organize the Tunnellaf. However, the official inauguration is planned for September 23.