Crucial Breakthrough.. First Section of Oosterweel Scheldt Tunnel Successfully Submerged in Belgium

Oosterweel Scheldt Tunnel First Section Successfully Submerged

The placement of massive tunnel sections marks a crucial milestone in the multibillion-euro Oosterweel connection, promising cyclists access by 2028 and reshaping Antwerp’s future.
Marie Dupont5 July 2025Last Update :
Cruciaal moment in bouw Oosterweelverbinding aangebroken: eerste deel Scheldetunnel wordt afgezonken
www.standaard.be

The Oosterweel connection takes a giant leap forward as the first of eight massive tunnel sections is being submerged beneath the Schelde River. This milestone comes after years of preparation and marks a crucial phase in the construction of the Oosterweelverbinding, a project reshaping Antwerp’s infrastructure. On 2025-07-04 19:35:00, the operation to position the first 60,000-ton tunnel segment is underway, highlighting the complexity and scale of this billion-euro venture.

6 Key Takeaways
  • Afzinken eerste tunneldeel Oosterweelverbinding gestart
  • Tunneldeel weegt 60.000 ton, 160 meter lang
  • Operatie vereist nauwkeurige positionering binnen 35 millimeter
  • Tunnel bevat autoverkeer-, vlucht- en fietskokers
  • Kostenproject stegen van 3,5 tot 10 miljard euro
  • Publiek kan operatie vanaf Scheldedijk rechteroever volgen

Each tunnel segment, measuring 160 meters long and 42 meters wide, has been carefully transported from Zeebrugge to Antwerp. The delicate sinking process requires precise timing during dead tide to ensure minimal river current interference. But why has this project taken so long, and what does it mean for local commuters and cyclists?

As the first section is lowered into place, anticipation grows for the full tunnel’s completion, which promises improved mobility and greener urban spaces. Here’s a quick look at what this means for Belgium’s largest infrastructure project.

Fast Answer: The Oosterweelverbinding’s first tunnel segment was successfully submerged on 2025-07-04 19:35:00, marking a key step toward easing Antwerp’s traffic and boosting sustainable transport by 2028.

What challenges does this monumental project face, and how will it impact Antwerp’s future? The sinking operation is a technical feat requiring exact precision and timing. Key points include:

  • The tunnel segments must be positioned within 35 millimeters of their planned location.
  • Operations depend on dead tide to minimize river current, occurring only twice a month.
  • The tunnel will feature separate tubes for cars, cyclists, and emergency escape routes.
  • Costs have soared from €3.5 billion to over €10 billion, but benefits like reduced noise and improved air quality are expected to outweigh expenses.
This project is vital for Belgium, as it completes the Antwerp ring road and enhances regional mobility while addressing environmental concerns.

With the first tunnel part in place, attention now turns to the remaining segments and their precise installation. Will the project stay on track for the 2028 cycling tunnel opening? Antwerp residents and commuters should stay informed and engaged as this transformative infrastructure unfolds.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


We use cookies to personalize content and ads , to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic...Learn More

Accept
Follow us on Telegram Follow us on Twitter