The tunnel connects the more than 7-kilometre-long two-way cycle path around the Kluizendok with the industrial zone between the railway and the waterfront. The tunnel passes under the recently constructed ring railway, which handles freight transport to the surrounding businesses.
Thanks to this tunnel, cyclists can safely cross the railway and use the adjacent cycle bridge over the R4-West to travel to and from the residential areas in Zelzate, Evergem and Ghent. The tunnel is 16 metres long and 4.5 metres wide, with ramps on both sides that are 55 metres long.
The tunnel was constructed in collaboration with the railway operator Infrabel. Together, we are working on further rail access between the Kluizendok and the Netherlands, as part of the cross-border rail project Rail Ghent Terneuzen. A safe and liveable port is central to this.
The official opening took place on Tuesday 1 July in the presence of the North Sea Port authority, the Province of East Flanders, contractor Persyn, the municipalities of Evergem and Zelzate, and the companies involved.
Peter van Parys, COO North Sea Port: ‘North Sea Port actively invests in sustainable mobility. With the construction of this bicycle tunnel, we are creating a safe and comfortable connection for the many employees who cycle to work every day. This tunnel is part of the 30 kilometres of cycle paths that we are constructing in the port area, thereby improving the liveability of our port.’
Kurt Moens, First Deputy of the Province of East Flanders: ‘This new connection is an important step in improving bicycle safety and mobility in the region. With this investment in the connecting cycle paths and public lighting, we are once again realising part of the Ghent Canal Zone Bicycle Master Plan.’
The cycle tunnel fits in with North Sea Port's ambitious plans for new cycling infrastructure. By 2029, the port authority aims to construct an additional 30 kilometres of cycle paths. This will bring the total to 184 kilometres, spread over 107 kilometres in the Ghent part of the port area and 77 kilometres in the Zeeland part. The paths connect to local and supra-local cycle highways, forming a smooth and safe network for cyclists in and around the port
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