The pre-metro tunnel in Antwerp between the Right and Left Banks of the river Scheldt will close for renovation on May 4. The work, which is urgently needed after years of underinvestment, is expected to last until the end of March 2027, which is 11 months.

Some sections of the pre-metro tunnel are now more than 50 years old and urgently need replacement. During the works, the track system will be replaced, the tunnel itself will be renovated, and technical modifications will be made.

Legal proceedings

The fact that communication regarding the exact start and duration of the closure of the pre-metro tunnel between Van Eeden (on the Left Bank) and Diamant (under Central Station) has only now come to light is due to legal proceedings by an unselected contractor who threatened to disrupt the plans.

Now, however, the green light has been given for the works and for the alternatives that will be provided for the passengers affected.

NMBS/SNCB reopens Left Bank station

According to current estimates, the alternative transport plan could accommodate more than the existing tram capacity on the route, with approximately 1,700 passengers during rush hour or peak times.

In terms of trams and buses, this involves shuttle buses through the Kennedy Tunnel, reinforcement of bus lines 82, 84, 85, and 821, and an extension of line 36’s route 6 on the Left Bank.

There is also a shuttle bus connection via the Waasland Tunnel between the Hof ter Schelde residential care center (Left Bank) and the ZAS Cadix hospital (Right Bank). The four tram lines that normally run through the pre-metro tunnel will be rerouted on the Right Bank.

The NMBS/SNCB is also cooperating with the temporary reopening of the Left Bank train station, where two trains per hour will stop. And there will most likely also be a special fare formula for De Lijn subscribers.

Cyclists and pedestrians are being redirected to the Sint-Anna tunnel and the Kennedy bicycle tunnel. Finally, there is also a free ferry service across the Scheldt. In addition, the Waterbus connects the city along the river, from Lillo to Hemiksem.

Short partial reopening at the end of the year

At the request of Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA), who is from Antwerp, the closure will be temporarily lifted during the end-of-year period. A service will then be provided between Van Eeden and Groenplaats/Green Square, the first stop on the Right Bank.

“This will allow us to give our local businesses a boost during the busy end-of-year period,” says De Ridder. The exact timing of this short partial reopening still depends on the progress of the works.