As of July 3rd, 2017, the Maastunnel is closed for renovations. The closure only affects traffic moving from North to South. It is estimated that the renovations will take around two years to complete.
In the meantime, drivers can take alternative routes or consider different forms of transportation. The tunnel remains open for bicycles and pedestrians. The pedestrian section is also slated for renovation, starting in 2019.
The temporary shutdown of the Maastunnel is inconvenient, but it shouldn't come as a surprise. Did you know the tunnel is 75 years old? It was built and completed during World War II (1937-1942). In fact, at the time of its official opening on February 14th, 1942, Rotterdam was under Nazi occupation. That also makes it the oldest submerged car tunnel in the Netherlands. It's about time the experts took a look at it and made sure it's going to be the in tip-top shape for another 75 years.
For more information on the renovations, check out www.maastunnel.nl (in Dutch).
