Antwerp ( Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Work on Antwerp’s 92-year-old Waasland Tunnel, managed by the Roads and Traffic Agency, is delayed. Renovation, started September 8, 2025, will last 6 months, affecting traffic and pre-metro commuters.

As GVA News reported, work on the Waasland Tunnel in Antwerp has been delayed. The Roads and Traffic Agency is still reviewing the work and the steps needed to finish it safely. A new timeframe is expected to be announced on Friday, Nov 21, 2025.

Officials mentioned that the tunnel is a major route for traffic in Antwerp. Delays could affect drivers and commuters in the city and nearby areas. Officials say the extension is necessary to make sure the system works properly.

What is causing the 6 month closure of Waasland tunnel in Antwerp?

Authorities say the delay is needed to meet all safety standards. Drivers should follow updates, as temporary traffic measures or detours may be introduced. The Roads and Traffic Agency assures the public that it is taking steps to limit disruption.

According to officials, the work must be finished before the pre-metro tunnel between the city’s right and left banks closes in May 2026. The closure of the pre-metro will last several months. The Waasland Tunnel will serve as an important alternative route during this period.

The renovation is expected to take 6 months. During the work, the tunnel will be completely closed. Shuttle buses will carry passengers between the 2 banks through the tunnel. The Roads and Traffic Agency is advising travelers to plan ahead and follow updates on the work.

Travelers are encouraged to use the pre-metro, the ferry across the Scheldt, or shared bicycles through the Sint-Anna Tunnel or Kennedy Bicycle Tunnel. For car drivers, the main alternatives are the Kennedy Tunnel, which often has heavy traffic, or the R2 through the port area, which requires a toll. Authorities warn that traffic will increase while the tunnel is closed. Commuters are urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

The Waasland Tunnel in Antwerp first opened in 1933, making it the oldest vehicular tunnel in the country. It runs under the Scheldt and has only one lane in each direction. Modern traffic has put a lot of pressure on the tunnel, and it is now in urgent need of renovation.

In September 2024, authorities limited its use to local traffic, set a 30 km/h speed limit, and banned heavy trucks to reduce wear. On 8 September 2025, renovation work began to modernize the tunnel. The project includes installing a new ventilation system, upgrading fire safety equipment, and updating service buildings. The Roads and Traffic Agency is overseeing the work.