Today, Monday, 15 July, the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer, AWV) officially launched the complete renovation of the Beveren Tunnel in the port of Antwerp (Belgium). AWV appointed the consortium TM Bever - consisting of BESIX, BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, STADSBADER, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Equans - to undertake this project. If all goes as planned, the tunnel will be fully refurbished by late summer 2025.
"The Beveren Tunnel, located on Antwerp's R2 ring road, is a crucial economic artery in the Antwerp port area, with up to 4.75 million vehicles passing through each year. Given the increasing traffic volume and the latest European safety, technology and sustainability requirements, extensive efforts are needed to prepare this infrastructure for the future. AWV is committed to modernising its engineering structures, such as bridges and tunnels, to enhance road safety, among other things. I am therefore proud that we have started the complete makeover of the Beveren Tunnel", says Kathy Vandenmeersschaut, administrator general of AWV.
Transformation Beveren Tunnel
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.
"As members of the TM Bever consortium, we are thrilled to be part of the Beveren Tunnel renovation. The excellent collaboration already present between the partners and clear, transparent communication will ensure the successful completion of this vital infrastructure project. We thank the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic for their trust and look forward to delivering a modern, future-proof tunnel that will enhance mobility in and around Antwerp and its port”, said Koen De Mey, project director at TM Bever, & Annick Martin, Managing Director BESIX Unitec.
One-year minimum work period
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.
For more information on the works, visit www.wegenenverkeer.be/beverentunnel
