Rotterdam Maastunnel to close for 2 years

The Maastunnel in Rotterdam will close for 2 years beginning summer 2017 to carry out large-scale maintenance. During the works, one tunnel will remain available to motorists traveling from south to north, the council says.

The renovation of the Maastunnel is necessary because of damaged cement problems discovered 3 years ago. The tunnel must also pass regulation for the new tunnel safety law in 2019. The pedestrian- and bike-tunnel will stay open during maintenance. The south-to-north route of the tunnel has to remain open because it is an emergency transport route to the Erasmus Medical Center. Each tunnel section will be closed for one year, averagely. This closing has been chosen because in this way, accessibility to the city will experience the least amount of disruption from the works, according to the city council.