Cointe Tunnel Closure to End Soon
Good news for commuters who regularly use the Cointe tunnel: work to modernize the building is scheduled to be completed at the end of this month. Consequently, the tunnel will be closed for three consecutive summers, leading to expected traffic disruptions.
Since the beginning of summer, approximately 100 workers have been renovating the 24-year-old, 1.5-kilometer-long tunnel. The project has cost an estimated 85 million euros. Notably, 260 cameras, lighting, fire and pollution detectors were replaced, and fire-resistant plates were installed on the ceiling.
“We installed approximately 19,000 square meters of plates, which is roughly equivalent to the area of three football fields,” said Kevin Peters, Deputy, SPW Mobility and Infrastructure Operations Manager. “Another important aspect is lighting: around 800 LED devices have been installed.” Additionally, to comply with new regulations, 4.6 kilometers of cable walkways have been installed.
The Cointe tunnel closure has impacted commuters for the past three summers, as it is a major axis in Wallonia, with an estimated monthly traffic volume of 2.4 million vehicles. Previous work on the tunnel was hampered by flooding in 2022 and ongoing construction in 2023. This year’s work focuses on mirroring the previous year’s repairs.
The tunnel is expected to reopen on the morning of August 26, the start of the school year.