Progress on the Scheldt Tunnel in Antwerp. On the Left Bank construction site, the first section of the tunnel is being submerged - a major milestone in constructing the immersed tunnel, part of the Oosterweel road infrastructure project. 150,000 m³ of water is pumped from the Scheldt onto the site, allowing the tunnel and the river to meet for the first time!
The next step? Breaking through the old Scheldt dyke. To avoid potential damage from the Scheldt’s strong currents, the tunnel section is being put under water before removing the old dyke. By early 2025, the dyke will be dismantled, giving more space to the river. By giving the Scheldt more room, a natural floodplain with 24 hectares of new nature is being created close to the city. Further inland, we’re building a new, higher Scheldt dyke to ensure stronger flood defenses.
In 2025, eight tunnel sections will be transported from the construction site in Zeebrugge to Antwerp, where they will be immersed. Oosterweel is a large-scale infrastructure project in Antwerp aimed at completing the city’s ring road, reducing congestion, and improving connectivity.
