The first section of the Scheldt Tunnel has emerged above the water surface in Zeebrugge, as reported by project coordinator Lantis on Saturday.
Construction manager Philippe Van Gorp explained, “Today, we started elevating the first segment of the Scheldt Tunnel in our construction dock. We must balance a massive piece of floating concrete with precise accuracy.”
Since mid-April, eight enormous tunnel segments have been submerged in the Zeebrugge construction dock. These components are crucial segments of the Oosterweel connection, surfacing for the first time.
Van Gorp continued, “Today marks the start of raising the first tunnel segment. The eight concrete segments, each larger than a football pitch and weighing up to 60,000 tonnes, lie securely on the dock’s bottom. Each segment contains five ballast tanks filled with water to anchor them. We are now pumping out the water from the first segment’s tanks to bring it to the surface.”
As the section rises, various cables keep it in place. Initially, the segment ascends slightly too high when the ballast tanks are drained. It then needs to settle so that only the roof plate remains partially above water.
According to the plan, the first section will depart on 19 May, embarking on a journey of over 100 kilometres with stops in Zeebrugge and Terneuzen. The Scheldt Tunnel will feature two lanes for vehicle traffic, an escape passage, and a cycling tube.
