Westerscheldetunnel

The Westerschelde tunnel is a bored tunnel of 6.6 kilometres long between Terneuzen and Ellewoutsdijk. The Westerschelde tunnel was not built for the Delta works, but like the Zeelandbrug (Zeeland bridge) been built for accessibility.

The Westerschelde tunnel is not a part of the Delta works but can be considered as an indirect response to it. It was not possible to close off the Westerschelde because of the accessibility to the harbour of Antwerp which would be put in danger. The consequents of this was that the connection between Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and Walcheren or South-Beveland would be better. The Delta works had not only taken care of the safety aspect but also made better connections possible. This gave a new impulse to tourism and the economy. This impulse was never around the Westerschelde until 2003. Until then two ferries were used; one between Vlissingen and Breskens and one between Kruiningen and Perk polder.

When the weather was bad these ferries did not sail, if someone from Middelburg had to go to Oostburg, it meant waiting of driving round via North-Brabant.

The construction of the tunnel was technically an unique project. The most tunnels in Europe are built through hard, rocky matter. This would seem harder than the soft Westerschelde soil, but it was not. It was the first time in the history of West-Europe that such a long and deep tunnel was bored through sand and clay. The deepest point of the tunnel is 60 metres below sea level. Compared to a bridge or sunken tunnel a bored tunnel has more advantages. Ships can pass unhindered, anchors from the tunnel can not become loose and it is cheaper.

For more information check; www.deltawerken.com/50.html