Westerscheldetunnel to open exemption applications for 2027 closure

Companies can begin applying for exemptions to use the Westerscheldetunnel starting August 31, ahead of a planned four-month closure of the east tube beginning January 11, 2027. The closure is necessary to repair a long crack in the tunnel wall, which will significantly limit traffic capacity between Zeeuws-Vlaanderen and the rest of Zeeland.

To ensure a fair distribution of limited capacity and prevent chaos, the Province of Zeeland and tunnel management are implementing a phased application process. The first phase, running from August 31 to September 20, is designated for freight and goods transport (category 4) and essential work traffic (category 5).

If applications for a specific time slot exceed available capacity, a lottery system will be used to award exemptions. This phased approach aims to provide predictability and prevent larger organizations with longer planning cycles from gaining an unfair advantage over smaller businesses. Companies are advised to ensure they have eHerkenning credentials ready for the application process.