Posted on January 29, 2025
Important milestone for the construction of the new Scheldt tunnel. As part of TM COTU, we dug away 400 metres of the old dyke to make way for the first tunnel element coming from Zeebrugge. In the summer of 2025, this first element will connect to the tunnel section built on the Left Bank.
In early December, we deliberately flooded part of the site on the Left Bank using pumps. This precaution was taken to protect the tunnel section already built there, safeguarding it from potential damage in case of a dyke breach. The Scheldt’s powerful current could otherwise have caused significant harm to the structure. Now that the dyke has been breached, the tunnel construction is officially situated in the Scheldt for the first time.
First Tunnel Segment
In the coming months, we will continue working to receive the first tunnel segment from Zeebrugge this summer. Dredging vessels are currently preparing the trench where we will place the eight massive tunnel sections. In February, anchor piles will be installed in the river to ensure the tunnel sections can be lowered into the Scheldt in a controlled manner.
According to the schedule, all eight tunnel sections will be in place beneath the Scheldt by the end of 2025. The tunnel will open for cyclists in 2028, with motorized traffic following in 2030.
Annick De Ridder, Minister of Mobility and Public Works:
We are once again taking a crucial step in realizing the Scheldt Tunnel and the Oosterweel project, the site of the century. The Scheldt Tunnel is a key link in completing the Antwerp Ring. The infrastructure works for the Scheldt Tunnel are essential for Flemish mobility, livability, and economy, and they go hand in hand with nature development. By relocating the dyke, we are creating significant space for ecologically valuable nature.
The infrastructure works for the Scheldt Tunnel are essential for Flemish mobility, livability, and economy, and they go hand in hand with nature development.
Annick De Ridder
Minister of Mobility and Public Works
Flood protection and a boost for nature
Anyone worried that the Scheldt will no longer be contained after the dyke is breached need not fear. In recent months, we have constructed a new, higher dyke further inland. This new dyke now takes over the role of the Scheldt buffer and, thanks to its increased height, offers better flood protection. Additionally, by relocating the dyke, we are creating significant space for ecologically valuable nature.
The new Scheldt dyke is located 300 meters inland, is 2.5 meters higher, and is part of the Flemish government’s Sigma Plan. This is great news because it provides the Scheldt with up to 24 additional hectares of space, equivalent to 34 football fields. In the fall of 2026, we will develop this area with ecologically valuable tidal nature.
Of the freed-up land, 18 hectares will be transformed into a natural landscape of mudflats and salt marshes. Mudflats are lower-lying areas that become submerged at high tide, while salt marshes are higher and only submerged during extreme water levels. Both provide a fertile environment for plants and soil organisms, making them ideal habitats for birds seeking food and rest. Additionally, we will plant a 6-hectare floodplain forest.
