Antwerp in Belgium will benefit greatly from its new road link when complete but the project has been hit by major cost increases -= image courtesy of © Arvelius| Dreamstime.com
A huge increase in cost has been seen for the Oosterweel link project in Antwerp, Belgium. The Oosterweel route is providing an improved connection between the Expressweg (E34) through a tolled tunnel running underneath the Scheldt and a twin deck tunnel under the Albert Canal to the Antwerp Ring Road.
The project was originally expected to cost €6.8 billion but the cost has now spiralled to €10.1 billion due to a number of factors. These factors include increased costs for materials and labour since the COVID 19 pandemic as well as unforeseen technical challenges and the need for additional pollution measures.
Construction commenced in 2017 and should be complete by 2033.
