The traffic lights in the Dudelingen roundabout on the A13 have been in operation for a week. They should have ensured smoother traffic. But there are increasing voices that there have been more and longer backlogs since the traffic lights went into operation.
“I heard that there are more traffic jams since the traffic lights than before,” says Bettemburg Mayor Jean-Marie Jans (CSV) on the phone. He was surprised about it. “Even before the traffic lights, traffic in the direction of Dudelange was sometimes bad.” The new traffic jams would have an impact on every driver who has to drive through the roundabout in the direction of Bettembourg or Dudelange at peak times. He knows from conversations with residents that things have gotten worse since the traffic lights were in operation. “However, we as a community have not received any complaints.”
But not every change is bad, says Jans. “What I have observed is that a lot of progress has been made since the directions of the lanes in the roundabout are on the road.” This helps drivers with orientation. However, as Jans learned from conversations, the problem was that the traffic lights turned red too quickly. However, he does not know whether the road construction administration can still adjust the switching times. “We are not told that.” Because the roundabout belongs to the state, the “Ponts et chaussées” are responsible.
Just wait and see
“We have noticed that there are more frequent backlogs,” says Dudelange’s mayor Dan Biancalana (LSAP) on the phone. This was confirmed by feedback from citizens and the police. “It is a factual observation that traffic builds up in and out of Dudelange at peak times.”
Despite the lighting switch system: rush hour traffic is still congested in Dudelange Photo: Editpress/Julien Garroy
After a week, however, no definitive conclusions could be drawn. “You have to give it a chance. You should see how the traffic lights work for another two to three weeks,” says Biancalana. The community would then have to forward the feedback to the road construction administration. “In the end, they are the ones who sort this out.” And: “The traffic lights only regulate traffic flows, but do not change the quantity.” However, if the problems persist, it will be up to the “Ponts et chaussées” to find a solution.
Not all functions are active yet
“When a lighting switchgear is put into operation, it initially runs with reduced functions,” writes the press office of the road construction administration upon request. The functionality of the traffic lights should be checked. “In a second phase, all functions will be activated so that the signal programs can react to specific traffic flows with shorter or longer green times.” During this time, the system will be analyzed in real operation in order to make any improvements.
According to the road construction administration, regulating traffic flows is not the main goal. “The primary goal is to prevent backlogs on the highway for safety reasons.” In any case, the traffic lights in the roundabout are only one piece of the puzzle in the overall concept of the Dudelange-Bettemburg regional traffic study. Other elements include the expansion of the A3, the optimization of the N31 between the two towns and the dismantling of the roundabouts at “ZAE Wolser” and rue Ribeschpont. “Only when these measures have been completed can the traffic lights have their full effect.”
