The Oosterweel Link is described as "the largest and most impressive construction site in Belgium". The project should help untangle the crucial traffic around Antwerp and includes an impressive 'Scheldetunnel' for a safer car and bicycle traffic. According to the current schedule, the first cyclists will drive through the tunnel in 2028 and the first cars in 2030.

This tunnel consists eight tunnel elements. Each 160 metres long, 42 metres wide and 10 metres high - accounting for a weight of around 60,000 tonnes.

What makes this project even more unique is that the immense tunnel elements are first built in a dock in Zeebrugge and are then towed by sea to Antwerp to be sunk into the Scheldt River.

For the waterproofing of the temporary bulkheads, the construction partners relied on our Bekina BeSealed sealing solutions including: Bentobar+, Polybar+, Sealing Plug and the swelling paste.

These bulkheads are the temporary walls that seal the entrance and exit of each tunnel element watertight. Once transported, immersed in place and watertight sealed together, these walls are broken down again so that the tunnel tubes become one continuous whole.

We are proud to be part of this unique project with Bekina BeSealed.

(Copyright teaser image: Foto van der Kloet)