The renovation will bring significant structural and technical changes to the tunnel, both visible and not visible to its users. It includes replacing the road surface and lighting, modernising the tunnel entrances, installing a new ventilation system and upgrading the escape routes. The service buildings will also be renovated, and the tunnel will be equipped to handle future climate and energy challenges. A solar panel park will be established on the north side of the tunnel, as well as a water treatment plant that will treat 3.6 million litres of pumped groundwater daily. Lastly, collected rainwater will be returned to the protected orchids around the tunnel.
The Beveren Tunnel is located in the middle of the port of Antwerp. Port companies in the immediate and wider surroundings will be impacted by the works. Together with Voka - Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland, Alfaport-Voka and the companies directly affected, a number of participation rounds were held. We looked at how the disruption could be minimised for all parties involved. TM Bever will take this into account when working out the detailed plans.
Subject to favourable conditions, each tunnel tube will undergo six months of renovation work. Following the renovation, TM Bever will conduct safety tests, with the project expected to conclude by late summer 2025.