Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Flanders has decided to open the new Scheldt tunnel of the Oosterweel connection before its originally scheduled date of 1 January 2030. Flanders has reached its goal a year ahead of schedule because experts originally set December 2030 as the target date.
The Flanders government plans to inaugurate the Scheldt tunnel as part of the Oosterweel connection in January 2030 instead of December 2030, according to the latest progress report on Oosterweel works obtained by Belga. The Progress Report of Oosterweel works reveals the quickened schedule as accessed by Belga. This move exists to cut down on rising expenses from the project. Next Thursday, parliamentary members will receive a report showing both the state of development and the financial aspects of the project.
The Oosterweel project became more expensive because of PFAS contamination that 3M, based in the area, caused. The pollution caused expenditures totalling 1.2 billion euros, which added to the construction expenses. A total of 400 million euros represents the financed amount for this initiative, while 49 million euros come from the Flemish government funds and 50 million euros result from the remediation agreement with 3M. Three hundred million euros from the Oosterweel financial model structure incorporate this amount. Motorists who use the Scheldt Tunnel alongside truck drivers will be assessed toll charges, which were developed by computing total project expenses.
What is the background of the Oosterweel project and its significance?
The Oosterweel project serves as Flanders’ main infrastructure initiative because it aims to finish the Antwerp Ring Road (R1) while delivering improved mobility to the Port of Antwerp, which ranks as Europe’s largest port. The Scheldt Tunnel is a vital part of the project, which aims to decrease transportation jams and advance connectivity through its construction. Legal uncertainties about PFAS contamination resulting from 3M operations have delayed and increased costs throughout the Oosterweel project’s development.
The budget for this project increased by 1.2 billion euros because of contamination, while 400 million euros represent the amount of available financing. The Flemish government invested 49 million euros, but 3M provided an additional 50 million euros through their remediation agreement. A 1.25 billion euro funding stream supports liveability improvements, including parks and canopies, as part of the development project.
