Beveren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Flemish government approves Western Access Road to Waasland Port, in Beveren-kruibeke-zwijndrecht. Project starts implementation, seeking contractors, and will enhance road, rail, and cycling connections to improve port access and efficiency.
As VRT News reported, the Flemish government has approved a western access road to the Waasland Port in Beveren-kruibeke-zwijndrecht, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. The project is part of the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) project. The new road will connect the port to existing traffic routes.
Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports and Sport (N-VA), says it will improve the flow of goods and support the port’s container expansion. The plan also includes new rail lines and cycling paths. The access road is important for handling containers arriving at the planned second tidal dock.
“To build an additional container dock, the road network in the port needs to be optimised first,”
Annick De Ridder said.
What is driving the €230M Western Access Road project at Waasland port?
Annick De Ridder said the project cost has risen from €193.5 million to about €230 million. The Flemish Region will contribute €160 million, up from the original €121 million. The final budget is still being confirmed. Officials say the investment will make the port more accessible, strengthen transport networks, and boost the regional economy.
The Western Access Road to Waasland Port will cost more due to technical challenges. Officials say the Polderheuvel, a buffer hill west of the project, must be reinforced for the planned second tidal dock. This part of the project will be tendered separately and is expected to cost €44 million.
The costs will be shared by the Flemish Region, the Port of Antwerp–Bruges, the Scheldt Left Bank Company (MLSO), and the rail infrastructure manager Infrabel. Authorities say the work is essential for the stability of the port and to handle the rising container traffic.
The project also includes improved cycling connections between Kieldrecht and Hogendik. Adapting these routes is expected to cost €42 million, with maintenance costs included. The Port of Antwerp expansion, especially the Extra Container Capacity Antwerp (ECA) project, has been planned for years.
In the early 2010s, planning for the Western Access to Waasland Port began due to increasing traffic at the port. Planning studies and approvals were completed between 2015 and 2020. The project received approval from the Flemish government in October 2025, with construction expected to begin in 2027, lasting about 4 years.
