Total renovation Beveren tunnel (R2) in 2024
From May 2024, the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic will start preparatory works for a total renovation of the Beveren Tunnel (R2). The tunnel is outdated and in dire need of renovation. Consortium TM Bever, consisting of contractors BESIX, BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, STADSBADER, STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Equans, was appointed by the Flemish Agency to manage the renovation.
"We face a historic maintenance backlog on our bridges and tunnels in Flanders. This legislature I have been working on a 2020-2030 plan of action to eliminate it structurally in the coming years, and I am allocating hereto unseen large sums to this endeavour. Specifically for the Beveren Tunnel, we are talking about 125 million euros. These include both structural innovations and modifications to tunnelling methods. The Flemish Agency is improving the road surface and lighting and modernizing the appearance of the tunnel entrances and exits. In addition, the agency is preparing the tunnel for the climate and energy challenges of the future with the installation of a water purification plant and a solar park that should provide half of its electricity capacity," said Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters.
Contractor consortium appointed, environmental permit obtained
On 10 November 2023, the Flemish Government gave the green light to proceed with the works. Meanwhile, the Flemish Agency was able to officially appoint the TM Beveren consortium, and on 22 December 2023, the environmental permit was obtained. That means the renovation can start.
"The TM Beveren consortium, consisting of BESIX, BESIX Infra, BESIX Unitec, STADSBADER , STADSBADER CONTRACTORS and Equans, is particularly proud to have been selected for the execution design and renovation of the Beveren Tunnel, as well as the construction, operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant and solar park. The works will last for three years. Within the consortium, BESIX and STADSBADER CONTRACTORS are responsible for the civil engineering works, BESIX Infra and STADSBADER for the road works and BESIX Unitec and Equans for the electromechanical works. We look forward to developing this project together as full partners. Our combined experience and expertise strengthen our ambition to deliver this important link in the Antwerp port area successfully, on time and in a safe manner to the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic, whom we would like to thank for their confidence," said the contractor consortium.
TM Beveren is currently drawing up a detailed schedule and making the necessary preparations. If all goes according to plan, work on the bypass road will begin in May 2024. The ambition is to start the actual renovation from July 2024.
Participation with port companies
The Beveren Tunnel is located in the middle of the Port of Antwerp. Port businesses in the immediate and wider vicinity will be impacted by the works. Several consultations were held together with Voka - Chamber of Commerce Antwerp-Waasland, Alfaport-Voka and the directly impacted companies. Consideration was given to how to minimize disruption for all parties involved.
Image: © AWV
