As Antwerp continued to grow over the centuries, it became increasingly difficult for residents to cross the river Scheldt. In 1874, it was decided that a solution was needed. Plans were made for a bridge, but they were rejected as they would obstruct the cargo ships using the river for trade.
It took another half a century before a final decision was made. In 1931, the city council decided to build a tunnel instead of a bridge. After years of construction, it was opened to the public in 1933. The tunnel lies at a depth of 31 meters and spans a total of 572 meters from entrance to exit.
The design has largely remained authentic, with the original wooden escalators still in use. For those with limited mobility, a modern lift was added.
Sources. Story: Source Story: Photos: Source Photo: Paul Hermans, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
