Antwerp (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Waaslandtunnel, built in 1933, now allows only local traffic to reduce congestion. Starting September 23, heavy trucks are banned. A new Scheldt tunnel is expected by 2030.
The Waaslandtunnel, also known as the “Rabbit Pipe” because it’s narrow, was built in 1933. It connects the city center of Antwerp to the Linkeroever district. The tunnel was originally made for light traffic, with just one lane going in each direction, which limits how many cars can use it. However, many drivers now use it to avoid the often busy Kennedytunnel on the Antwerp ring road.
What are the new traffic rules for Antwerp’s Waaslandtunnel?
According to resources, the change in traffic has really stressed the Waaslandtunnel, which wasn’t designed for so many vehicles. More drivers are using it to avoid the heavy traffic on the ring road, making it too crowded. This has led to problems like traffic jams, wear and tear, and safety concerns. Even though the tunnel is historically important, its old structure can’t handle the increased number of cars, causing delays for people traveling on both sides of the Scheldt River.
The Jan De Vleminck tunnel in Antwerp needs a big repair, but it can’t be closed for a long time because of the ongoing Oosterweel project. As a temporary fix, the Roads and Traffic Agency and the city are taking steps to keep it safe and prevent more damage. One key change is lowering the speed limit in the tunnel from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. This is to help reduce accidents and protect the old structure. Heavy trucks are also banned from using the tunnel to stop it from wearing out too quickly. These rules are in place to keep the tunnel safe while the city works on the Oosterweel project. A complete renovation will likely have to wait until the bigger construction is done.
On 23rd September a new rule is starting to help with tunnel traffic. There will be signs that say you can only use the Waaslandtunnel if you’re coming from Linkeroever and going to the city center, or the other way around. Regular traffic can’t go through anymore. Now, drivers need to use the Kennedytunnel (R1) or the Liefkenshoektunnel (R2, which costs money) to cross the Scheldt. A new Scheldt tunnel is expected to be ready by 2030 as part of the Oosterweel project.
