Nittel: Cross-border connecting bridge is feasible

A cross-border pedestrian and bicycle bridge between Machtum and Nittel is feasible. This is the conclusion of a feasibility study commissioned by the municipality of Wormeldingen as part of the EOM Interreg project "Brückenschlag DeLux." The aim of the study was to examine the technical, legal, and planning feasibility of this cross-border infrastructure project.

A total of 15 specialist departments on both the German and Luxembourg sides were surveyed about the "Bridging DeLux" project, and the feedback was positive. Stakeholders from the fields of mobility, inland waterway transport, environmental protection, tourism, spatial planning, and cross-border cooperation clearly stated: The bridge has great potential and is feasible.

It would thus create a direct and safe connection between the Luxembourg cycle path network and the German rail network and could become a widely visible symbol of German-Luxembourg friendship. The bridge would further enhance the region's tourist appeal.

The planning and implementation are challenging, considering technical and administrative requirements. Against this backdrop, five new planning variants were developed, differing in ramp layout, connection points, and structural design. All variants demonstrate that the bridge is feasible.

The feasibility study recommends clarifying whether the project should be sponsored by Germany or Luxembourg as the next step. Furthermore, a detailed review of the technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of the bridge variants, followed by a decision, is required.

The pioneering feasibility study "Brückenschlag DeLux" was funded by the Development Concept Upper Moselle Valley (EOM), within the framework of the European cooperation program Interreg Greater Region 2021-2027, with EUR 40,300 (80%) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).