24/7 surveillance
From our control room at the Toll Plaza, tunnel operators monitor the Westerscheldetunnel, the Sluiskiltunnel, the Toll Plaza, the route, and all surrounding roads 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using modern equipment such as cameras and various detection systems. Car trouble, fallen cargo, or an accident in the tunnel? Don’t worry — our tunnel operators in the control room can see what’s happening and will arrange assistance immediately.
Safely through the tunnel!
Fortunately, relatively few incidents occur, but occasionally a temporary closure is necessary due to, for example, a breakdown, maintenance or debris on the roadway. Before you set off, herewith some tips on how to drive safely into the tunnel and what to do in the event of an incident.
Safety in the tunnel
Cross-connections every 250 meters in the tunnels provide a safe escape route in case of an emergency. Every 50 meters, there is a brightly lit emergency post equipped with a foam extinguisher, fire hose, and a telephone for direct contact with the tunnel operator. In addition, many other systems help ensure safety in the tunnels, such as cameras, a loudspeaker system, tunnel ventilation, alarm and exit signs, traffic detection systems, lighting, and other signaling devices.
Height detection
Vehicles taller than 4.30 meters are not permitted to use our tunnels for the safety of pedestrians and to prevent damage to the tunnel. If this occurs, an automated system will be triggered:
- The traffic lights will flash orange;
- The “oversized vehicle” sign will be activated;
- The message “oversized vehicle” will be sent to the operator.
The traffic lights for the tunnel will turn orange, indicating that the driver of the oversized vehicle must stop. The driver should then contact the operator via the intercom at the barrier. The operator will explain how the vehicle should exit the route.