Opening of the carpooling lane on the A3

Opening of the first section of the A3 motorway with 2x3 lanes and a dedicated lane for carpooling/buses

As part of the A3 motorway widening project, a major milestone will be reached on March 23, 2025, with the opening of the first 2x3-lane section connecting Croix de Gasperich to the Aire de Berchem service area. This project is part of the government's ambition to promote sustainable and efficient mobility in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, improve traffic flow, and support public transport and carpooling. This is a strategic route for the daily journeys of many cross-border commuters and workers. To improve traffic flow and promote more environmentally friendly modes of transport, a lane for vehicles with at least two people will be created on a specific section of the motorway. A bus lane will also be created on the hard shoulder in the direction of Aire de Berchem – Croix de Gasperich.

Special provisions according to traffic direction

In the direction Aire de Berchem – Croix de Gasperich from 23 March 2025 at 00:00 a.m.:

• A 24-hour carpool and bus lane has been established along the entire widening of the expressway. At the end of this section, this lane becomes a regular traffic lane.
• The speed limit is 90 km/h, except during rush hour from Monday to Friday between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. During this time, the speed limit is reduced to 70 km/h in all vehicle lanes and in the carpool/bus lane.
• A bus lane with a speed limit of 70 km/h is in continuous operation on the hard shoulder between the Berchem rest area and the Croix de Gasperich.

In the direction Croix de Gasperich – Aire de Berchem and from 30 March 2025 at 00:00 a.m.:

• The expressway also features a 24-hour priority lane for carpools and buses. The lanes are divided into three lanes using a push-button system, which informs road users.
• The speed limit is 90 km/h (56 mph), except during rush hour, Monday through Friday, between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. During this time, the speed limit is 70 km/h (43 mph) in all vehicle lanes and in the bus/carpool priority lane.

The Ministry of Mobility and Public Works encourages users to carpool and comply with the new regulations. It emphasizes that the Grand Ducal Police will ensure their proper implementation and that failure to comply with these regulations will result in a fine of at least 74 euros. This implementation will be accompanied by an awareness-raising and information campaign explaining the conditions for using the designated lane.

Carpool sign

The carpool lane is marked by the sign below. This sign means that the lane is open to carpoolers. Carpoolers are not required to use this lane. The number indicates the minimum number of people required in a vehicle to be considered a carpool vehicle. In this case, the minimum number is two people.

Next steps in the A3 expansion

• April 2025 – Beginning 2026: Two lanes for private motorized traffic. Reconstruction of the A3 motorway, including a dedicated carpool/bus lane on the expressway and a bus lane on the hard shoulder between the Berchem service area and Croix de Gasperich, with static vertical signage and a speed limit of 90 km/h to 70 km/h during specified peak hours.
• Beginning 2026: Introduction of dynamic lane assignment via sign gantries and manual speed control.
• From 2030, when the entire Croix de Bettembourg – Croix de Gasperich and border – Croix de Bettembourg section is open: fully automated dynamic lane allocation and speed control, allowing both a gradual reduction of speed limits depending on traffic density and greater prioritization of carpooling and public transport.

Regarding the multimodal reconstruction of the A3, Minister for Mobility and Public Works Yuriko Backes expressed her delight: "The opening of the first widened section is a clear sign of the government's commitment to creating a modern, safe, and sustainable infrastructure that meets the current and future needs of citizens and cross-border commuters, while promoting public transport, including carpooling, over private motorized transport. The opening of this first section is just one step in a major project, but already represents a strong signal for smoother and more efficient mobility in Luxembourg."

Communicated by the Ministry of Mobility and Public Works