Belgium’s Open Werven Dag is a unique opportunity for visitors to step onto construction sites and witness monumental projects in action. This year, my wife and I set out to explore two of the country’s most impressive engineering feats: the Schelde Tunnel in Antwerp, part of the vast Oosterweel project, and the Viaduct renovation in Vilvoorde. Armed with cameras and curiosity, we captured the immense scale and intricate details of these works-in-progress.
Schelde Tunnel – Antwerp’s Underground Future
The Schelde Tunnel is a crucial part of the Oosterweel connection, a project designed to improve mobility around Antwerp. Standing on-site, we marveled at the sheer magnitude of the tunnel’s construction—massive concrete sections being prepared to reshape the way traffic flows beneath the Schelde River. The energy of the workers, the towering machinery, and the delicate coordination of each phase made for an incredible photographic opportunity.
Viaduct of Vilvoorde – Breathing New Life into an Iconic Structure
Next, we traveled to Vilvoorde, where the renovation of its famous Viaduct is underway. As one of Belgium’s busiest infrastructure links, the viaduct’s renewal is vital to ensure smooth transport for generations to come. The contrast between the old worn-out sections and the newly reinforced beams made for powerful imagery—capturing progress, resilience, and innovation in a single frame.
Photography and Perspective
Both sites offered an exceptional chance to document the interplay between human engineering and raw construction materials. From the geometric patterns of scaffolding to the dynamic movement of cranes, every shot told a story of transformation. Open Werven Dag is a reminder that behind every road, tunnel, and bridge, there’s a team of dedicated professionals shaping the future.
For some pictures of that day, have a look in my album, Open Wervendag 2025
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