On 2 July, two new underpasses were inaugurated in Milbech to replace Level Crossing (LC) 59, located at the intersection point between the road leading to the Ledenbierg residential area and the Luxembourg–Wasserbillig–Trier railway line. This new infrastructure represents a significant step forward in improving both safety and traffic flow for all users. Many thanks go to Doris Horvath, Head of the Safety, Security and Environment Department at Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL), and Marc Wengler, Chief Executive Officer at CFL for enabling UIC to take part.
CFL has been continuously promoting International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) since its inception by distributing safety flyers at level crossings, publishing handouts, printing posters, developing videos, and posting on social media . CFL has also undertaken this work for Trespass Awareness Day (TRESPAD).
“Thanks to these new underpasses, safety is being enhanced and mobility improved for local residents from today onwards. A level crossing located in the heart of a populated area no longer meets today’s safety requirements. By replacing it with suitable structures such as underpasses or bridges, we eliminate both waiting times and risks while helping to improve the quality of life of local residents” said Yuriko Backes, Minister for Mobility and Public Works for Luxembourg, while highlighting the quality of cooperation among all stakeholders involved in delivering improved road and rail safety.
“With 55 incidents recorded at level crossings in 2025, it is essential to continue our efforts to ensure that every level crossing removal represents a further step towards enhanced safety for our customers, employees and all road users,” said Jean-Paul Lickes, Chair of the CFL Board of Directors. “By reducing these risk factors, we help prevent situations that often have serious human consequences.”
“In 2025, level crossing incidents resulted in 4,371 minutes of train delays and 67 train cancellations,” Marc Wengler explained. “These figures clearly demonstrate the relevance of our level crossing removal programme in improving the quality of service delivered to our customers. By advancing several projects simultaneously, we achieve greater efficiency, as demonstrated this year with the level crossing removal projects in Milbech and Colmar-Usines.”
42 level crossings removed since 2012
As meeting points between rail and road traffic, level crossings are too frequently the scene of accidents caused by non-compliance with traffic regulations. Unsafe behaviour by some road users –whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians–not only endangers their own lives but also those of others, including train drivers, pedestrians, and transport users. Between 2015 and 2025, seven people lost their lives at level crossings in Luxembourg.
The safest level crossing is the one that no longer exists. To address this issue and improve mobility at affected locations, CFL is continuing to remove level crossings every year.
Since 2012, 42 level crossings have been removed and replaced with alternative crossing solutions developed in close cooperation with the Roads and Bridges Administration and the affected municipalities. Each removal project is tailored to the specific characteristics and mobility needs of the site.
Following the removal of LC 59, 81 level crossings remain in operation on the rail network used by both passenger and freight trains.
For more information, please visit: www.securite.cfl.lu.
Additionally, on 1 July, the members of the International Railway Safety Network of UIC (IRSN), chaired by Guillaume Foeillet (National French Railways (SNCF)), had the opportunity to visit Howald station. Part of Luxembourg’s future mobility project, Howald station is a versatile transport hub featuring a railway station, tram stops, and bus stops.
