The 1.8km-long tunnel will be constructed by immersing reinforced concrete elements beneath the River Scheldt. When completed, it will comprise two three-lane highways, a service tunnel and a dedicated 6m-wide tube for cyclists.
A temporary dry dock is currently underway in Zeebrugge where the eight tunnel elements – each weighing around 60,000t – will be constructed. From there, they will be towed via the North Sea to Antwerp – a distance of 52 nautical miles.
The Scheldt Tunnel will complete the Antwerp Ring Road on the north side and thus form an important component in the Oosterweel Link, designed to improve accessibility to Antwerp and its port. Preparatory works are due to begin this year, with construction of the tunnel itself expected to start in autumn 2021.
