Tunnel renovation metro in Antwerp

The metro plays an important role in Antwerp. Every month, more than two million people travel by tram under the city. Thus, the metro is one of the pillars of the modal shift – the choice for sustainable mobility. In 2026, extensive renovation works will begin in the Antwerp metro. These will have a significant impact on metro traffic in the city.

Why are we renovating the metro tunnels?

Some parts of the Antwerp metro have been around for more than 50 years. It goes without saying: the tunnels and tracks are due for renewal.

That's why we're thoroughly renovating the infrastructure: replacing the track system, renovating the tunnels, and upgrading the existing technology.

Such a renovation is not something you do lightly. Therefore, the tunnel connecting the Van Eeden and Diamant stations will temporarily close. This occurs on the axis of Van Eeden – Groenplaats – Meir – Opera. The start of the interruption is scheduled for May 2026.

How are we preparing the metro for the future?

  • By replacing the tracks and renovating the tunnel infrastructure, we are creating a safe environment for everyone.

  • The renovation will ensure we can continue to provide reliable service, allowing our trams to travel through the tunnel at normal speed again.

  • At the same time, we're also working on making our metro stations more accessible by renewing the escalators in various stations. You can find the status of these upgrades on the Accessibility of Antwerp Metro Stations page.

  • The tunnel renovation is part of a larger upgrade of our metro system as we prepare for the opening of new metro stations Stuivenberg, Willibrordus, Drink, and Morckhoven on the Kerkstraat – Pothoekstraat axis.

What does this mean for your commute?

Naturally, this tunnel renovation will have a significant impact on your commute. During the service interruption, no trams will run on Linkeroever, under the Schelde, and up to and including Opera on Rechteroever. However, Opera metro station will still be served by line 10; above ground, line 1 will continue to arrive at Opera.

That's why we're developing numerous mitigation measures in direct consultation with the City of Antwerp, AWV, and Lantis:

  • We will provide shuttle buses through the Kennedy Tunnel to run from Linkeroever (P+R Linkeroever, Blancefloerlaan, and Frederik van Eedenplein) to Opera.

  • The buses from lines 82, 84, 85, and 821 will run between P+R Melsele and the ferry on Linkeroever, following the route of the current tram lines on Linkeroever. Additionally, extra buses will be deployed to ensure a bus every 7.5 minutes.

  • We are extending line 36 on Linkeroever: the buses will stop close to the Schelde ferry service and the new train station on Linkeroever. The buses from Waasland (82, 84, 85, 87, 93, 821, and 931) will also continue to the ferry.

  • The four tram lines that usually run on Linkeroever (3, 5, 9, and 15) will have new routes on Rechteroever during the work:

    • Lines 3 and 15 will be combined (route between P+R Merksem and P+R Boechout).

    • Lines 5 and 9 will be combined (route between Wijnegem and Berchem Station).

  • By then, line 11 will also be back in service on Rechteroever, allowing travel from Central Station to the historic heart of Antwerp.

We are also working closely with other (Antwerp) mobility partners: City of Antwerp, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, MOW, AWV, Lantis, NMBS, Infrabel, De Vlaamse Waterweg, etc. Other methods to travel under/over the Schelde will be promoted:

  • Sint-Anna ferry service (for pedestrians and cyclists);

  • Sint-Annatunnel pedestrian tunnel (also for cyclists);

  • cyclist tunnel (next to the Kennedy Tunnel);

  • De WaterBus (connection between Temse, Hemiksem, Kruibeke, Steenplein, Sint-Anna, Zwijndrecht, Kallo, Liefkenshoek, Lillo);

  • new NMBS station to be built on Linkeroever for train travelers to and from Rechteroever.

At Frederik van Eedenplein, near the ferry service and pedestrian tunnel, bus stops will be available for all our buses: shuttles to/from Melsele and Waasland, shuttles through the Kennedy Tunnel, and buses from line 36. The Beveren buses (82, 84, 85, and 821) and buses from Temse, Kruibeke, and Burcht (87, 93, and 931) will also continue to stop at Frederik van Eedenplein.

More Information

Starting early 2026, we will intensively communicate all adaptations and mitigation measures. This will be done through our own channels and the mobility platform “Slim naar Antwerpen.” As soon as more details are available regarding the services during the tunnel renovation, we will update this page with the most current information.