Antwerp’s tunnels: Traffic woes and alternative routes

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: Ann De Bie

Antwerp (The Brussels Morning newspaper): On 2rd August around 6:30 PM both tunnels were closed due to serious issues causing significant traffic jams. The Waaslandtunnel reopened at 11:30 PM followed by the Sint-Annatunnel after power restoration. Alternative routes helped manage traffic during the closures.

There were problems around 6:30 PM that caused big issues so they had to close both tunnels. Stephanie Nagels from the Roads and  Traffic Agency didn’t say what were the problems but they were serious enough to shut down the tunnels. Due to these problems the tunnels stayed closed for many hours. This long closure caused traffic jams and made things difficult for drivers. They were working hard to fix the issue and reopen the tunnels but it took a while because the problem was serious.

What impact did tunnel closures have on Antwerp traffic?

The Roads and Traffic Agency said that closing the tunnels didn’t create big traffic problems. Stefanie Nagels mentioned that there were other routes like the Kennedy Tunnel and the Kennedy Bicycle Tunnel that drivers could use instead. These alternative routes helped drivers avoid the closed tunnels and keep traffic moving smoothly. Nagels made sure to say that these other options kept traffic moving well even when the tunnels were closed. Drivers could use the Kennedy Tunnel and Kennedy Bicycle Tunnel to avoid long delays and keep going on their way easily. Having these detours ready stopped a big traffic problem during the long tunnel closure.

It has been said that the Waaslandtunnel which is a very important road for drivers in the area was reopened around 11:30 PM after it was closed because of problems.Reporters mentioned that this reopening was a big relief for people who depend on this tunnel for their travels. Getting it open on time should help reduce traffic jams and make traveling smoother in the area. The Sint-Annatunnel which had a problem with power got its power back a few hours after the Waaslandtunnel reopened. With the power restored the Sint-Annatunnel was opened again making sure that both important tunnels are working now. Having both tunnels back in action is really important for keeping traffic moving well and cutting down on delays for travelers.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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