The Kennedy Tunnel on Antwerp’s Ring Road (R1) will undergo crucial maintenance work in December, leading to several overnight closures that will impact traffic flow in both directions.
The Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) announced that these closures are necessary for updating the tunnel’s high-voltage infrastructure and performing regular maintenance.
The primary focus of the closure will be on the refurbishment of high-voltage cells, transformers, and power switches, which are vital components for the tunnel’s operations.
During these works, the tunnel will temporarily lose electricity, rendering systems such as lighting and ventilation non-functional. For safety reasons, AWV has decided that the tunnel, including the Kennedy cycle tunnel, must be fully closed during these times.
The planned closures are set to take place over two consecutive weekends. The first will occur during the nights of November 30 to December 1 and December 7 to 8, from midnight to 7 a.m.
These overnight hours were chosen to minimize disruptions, as traffic volumes tend to be lower at this time, according to AWV.
During the high-voltage maintenance, all traffic will be diverted. For shorter distances, drivers will be redirected through the Liefkenshoek Tunnel on the R2.
Those traveling longer distances between Hasselt and Ghent will be advised to take an alternative route via Brussels.
In the opposite direction, the Temsebrug (N16) is recommended as an alternative, though travelers are cautioned about ongoing works on the Vilvoorde Viaduct, which could also cause delays.
In addition to the high-voltage maintenance, there will be nighttime closures for regular tunnel upkeep. On the nights of December 2 to 3 and December 3 to 4, the tunnel will be closed for scheduled maintenance.
The closure on December 2 will be in the direction of Ghent, while the following night, December 3 to 4, will affect traffic traveling toward the Netherlands.
However, during these regular maintenance closures, traffic can still pass through one of the tunnel shafts, which will be reconfigured to allow for one lane in each direction. This arrangement aims to keep traffic moving despite the reduced space.
The maintenance work on the Kennedy Tunnel is part of ongoing efforts by AWV to ensure the infrastructure remains safe and efficient for road users.
While the closures are expected to cause some inconvenience, the agency is working to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum by scheduling the work during off-peak hours and providing clear alternative routes.
Motorists are urged to plan ahead and check traffic updates in advance to avoid unnecessary delays.
With the Kennedy Tunnel being a crucial part of the Antwerp Ring Road, the maintenance work is essential to ensure its continued safe operation for the future.
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