
Posted on January 27, 2025
Today we reach an important milestone on the Left Bank for the construction of the new Scheldt tunnel: near the Sint-Annabos we break through the old Scheldt dike. Contractor TM COTU* digs away 400 meters of the old dike to make room for the first tunnel element from Zeebrugge. In the summer of 2025, this first element will connect to the tunnel section that was built on the Left Bank itself.
Annick De Ridder, Minister of Mobility and Public Works: “We are taking another crucial step in the realisation of the Scheldt Tunnel and the Oosterweel project, the construction site of the century. The Scheldt Tunnel is a crucial link in completing the Antwerp Ring. The infrastructure works for the Scheldt Tunnel are essential for Flemish mobility, quality of life and the economy, and go hand in hand with nature development. By moving the dike, we are freeing up a lot of space for ecologically valuable nature.”
The Scheldt Tunnel starts on the left bank at the Sint-Annabos and ends on the right bank at the future Oosterweel junction and the Channel Tunnels .
Early December, part of the yard on the Left Bank was flooded in a controlled manner using pumps . This operation was intended to ensure that the tunnel section that we had already built on the Left Bank would be protected in the event of a dike breach. The current of the Scheldt is particularly strong and, without additional measures, could damage the tunnel element that had already been built. Now that the dike has been breached, the tunnel structure is truly in the Scheldt for the first time.
In the coming months we will continue working to receive the first tunnel element from Zeebrugge this summer. For example, dredgers will make the zinc trench in which we will place the eight enormous tunnel sections. In February we will place anchor piles in the river so that the tunnel sections can be lowered into the Scheldt in a controlled manner.
According to the planning, all eight tunnel sections will be under the Scheldt by the end of 2025. The opening for cyclists will follow in 2028. Motorized traffic will be able to use the tunnel from 2030.
Flood protection and a boost for nature
Anyone who thinks that the Scheldt will no longer be held back by the breach of the dike has nothing to fear. In recent months, we have built a new, higher dike further inland. This now takes over the function of Scheldt buffer and, thanks to its adjusted height, offers better protection against flooding. By moving the dike, we are also freeing up a lot of space for ecologically valuable nature.
The new Scheldt dike is located 300 meters inland, is 2.5 meters higher and is therefore part of the Sigma plan of the Flemish government. Good news, because this will give the Scheldt up to 24 hectares of extra space, which is equal to no less than 34 football fields. In the autumn of 2026, we will develop this area with ecologically valuable tidal nature.
Of the area that has been cleared, 18 hectares will be transformed into a natural landscape of mudflats and salt marshes . Mudflats are lower-lying areas that are flooded at high tide. Salt marshes are higher up and are only flooded at extreme water levels. Both form a fertile breeding ground for plants and soil animals and therefore an ideal place for birds to find food and rest. In addition, we will plant a flood forest of 6 hectares.
*TM COTU stands for Temporary Partnership Combination Oosterweeltunnel. The group consists of the Belgian construction groups BESIX, Stadsbader Contractors, DEME and Jan De Nul.

Along the new and raised Scheldt dike we are creating an ecologically valuable area with mudflats and salt marshes and a flood forest.