Technical specifications

Scope of work

  • 2 parallel tunnel tubes
    Length: 2 x 6,600 m
    Internal diameter: 10.10 m
  • Ramp structures
  • Toll stations
  • Road connections including various civil engineering structures

Construction method

  • TBM tunnelling using 2 Mixshields (slurry shields)
  • Shield diameter: 11.34 m
  • segmental lining

Geology

  • Sand
  • Boom Clay

 

 

General data

Project
Westerschelde Tunnel
Road tunnel

Client
Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat
Directoraat-Generaal Rijskwaterstaat
[Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management]

Contractor
Wayss & Freytag Ingenieurbau AG
in a joint venture

Construction period
January 1997 to March 2003

Construction costs
€ 690 million

Utilisation
Infrastructure
Type
Road Tunnel
Length
2 * 6,600 m
Construction Method
TBM tunneling using 2 Mixshields (slurry shields)

In the Netherlands numerous estuaries break up the mainland from the east to the west. The Dutch province of Zeeuwsch-Vlaanderen was cut off from the other parts of the country by the Westerschelde and could only be reached by ferry or by road with a detour via Antwerp (Belgium).

In order to enhance the economical development of the region it was necessary to create a short, reliable and weather independent road connection with the neighbouring province of Zuid-Beveland. In 1999 the NV Westerscheldetunnel awarded the contract for construction of the project consisting of two 6.6 km long road tunnels with an internal diameter of 10.10 m and cross passages at 250 m intervals, including access roads, ramps and toll stations. The project was completed and officially opened to traffic on14th March 2003 by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

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