Tunnel renovation metro in Antwerp
The metro plays an important role in Antwerp. Every month, more than 2 million people travel by tram beneath the city. Thus, the metro is one of the pillars of the modal shift—the choice for sustainable mobility.
Extensive renovation works will begin in the Antwerp metro on May 4, 2026. These will have a significant impact on metro traffic in the city.
During the tunnel renovation, there will be no trams running on Linkeroever, under the Scheldt, and up to and including Opera on Rechteroever. How will you travel then on Linkeroever and Rechteroever? And how will you cross over or under the Scheldt?
What alternatives are there for you?
Shuttle BusLinkeroever-Rechteroever (P5)
Shuttle buses connect the Linkeroever with Rechteroever via the Kennedy Tunnel.
Read moreBus lines Waasland / Linkeroever
We are strengthening the bus lines in Waasland and on Linkeroever. This concerns line 36 and lines 82, 84, 85, and 821.
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Tram lines Rechteroever
Tram line 11 resumes its previous route. Tram lines 3, 5, 9, and 15 will have a new travel path on Rechteroever during the works.
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Antwerpen-Linkeroever Train Station
A new train station is temporarily coming to Linkeroever.
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Ferry Service Sint-Anna
The ferry service Sint-Anna operates between the pontoon on Linkeroever and Het Steen on Rechteroever.
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Pedestrian Tunnel (Sint-Annatunnel)
The Pedestrian Tunnel forms the connection between the Frederik van Eeden Square on Linkeroever and Sint-Jansvliet on Rechteroever.
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Cyclist Tunnel (Kennedy Tunnel)
The Cyclist Tunnel is part of the Kennedy Tunnel and connects Linkeroever with the South on Rechteroever.
Read moreDeWaterbus
DeWaterbus connects Hemiksem in the south with Lillo in the north, with stops on both sides of the Scheldt.
Read moreShuttle Bus Hof ter Schelde
A limited shuttle service is provided between Hof ter Schelde and ZAS Cadix.
Read moreWhy are we renovating the metro tunnels?
Some parts of the Antwerp metro have been in place for over 50 years. It stands to reason that the tunnels and tracks are due for renewal. That’s why we are thoroughly renovating the infrastructure: we are replacing the track system, renovating the tunnels, and updating the existing technologies.
Such a renovation is not undertaken lightly. As a result, the tunnel under the Scheldt will be temporarily closed in 2026. This will occur along the axis Opera – Meir – Groenplaats – Van Eeden.
Consequently, starting in May 2026, there will be no trams running between the P+R Melsele stop and the Astrid/Diamant stations. The work is expected to be completed around the end of March 2027, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Why are both tunnel tubes closing at the same time?
The works will take several months regardless. By renovating both tubes simultaneously, the contractor can work more quickly, and the metro can obviously reopen sooner.
If one tube were to remain open, tram traffic would also be severely limited: trams on the other bank would have to wait until the tram from the opposite direction completed the full route under the Scheldt.
How are we preparing the metro for the future?
The renovation of the tunnels is part of a broader renewal of our metro: by replacing the tracks and renovating the tunnel infrastructure, we are creating a safe environment for everyone. The renewal will ensure that we can continue to offer reliable service.
At the same time, we are also working on the accessibility of our metro stations. We are renewing the escalators at several stations. You can find the status of the renewal on our metro station accessibility page.
Additionally, we are preparing to open the new metro stations Stuivenberg and Willibrordus along the Kerkstraat – Pothoekstraat axis, and Drink and Morckhoven along the Astrid – Muggenberg axis.
Where can you find the most up-to-date information?
We always update these pages with the most current information. Through our app and route planner, you get up-to-date travel information. You can always visit the mobility platform Smart ways to Antwerp.
The mobility partners
The mobility partners