Work on the Eurotunnel this summer

Zoetermeer is undergoing rapid development, and this summer is no exception. Major roadworks are being carried out to improve the quality of the roads in our city. Unfortunately, despite taking into account the various road users such as motorists, travelers, and pedestrians, these works are causing some inconvenience.

Eurotunnel closed for 6 weeks

The Europatunnel—and with it, the Europaweg major maintenance. The work will take 6 weeks, during which time the Europatunnel will be completely closed. Each weekend, in addition to the tunnel, a different intersection or section of the Europaweg will also be Europaweg . Once the work is complete, the tunnel will have been thoroughly refurbished and will be ready for the future!

Weekend Construction and Detours

Starting Monday, July 20, 2026, the Eurotunnel will be closed for 6 weeks (the entire summer vacation). Work will begin at various intersections around the tunnel on Friday morning, July 17, 2026. This work will continue throughout the weekend. The road will reopen the following Monday. Work will then resume at a different location the following Friday. During the closures, some bus routes will follow a different route; please keep this in mind by checking your trip in advance. Below are the closures and detours for each weekend.

Weekend of August 28, 29, and 30 - Buffer Weekend 2

On Tuesday, August 25, it was decided that a buffer weekend to catch up on work would not be necessary. Therefore, only the Eurotunnel will be closed this weekend (August 28–30).

Weekend of September 4, 5, and 6

This weekend, the intersection of the Europaweg toward Stompwijk—between Luxemburglaan and Denemarkenlaan—will be closed starting at 10:00 a.m. on September 4. Starting at 8:00 p.m. on September 4, the northbound side of the Europaweg —from Aziëweg to Zwaardslootseweg—will also be closed. The tunnel toward Leidschenveen (and the highway) will remain accessible.

  • If you're coming from Azíëweg, Australiëweg , or Oostweg and want to go to Buytenwegh, you can use the tunnel at Europaweg.
  • If you are coming from Azíëweg, Australiëweg , or Oostweg and want to go to De Leyens or the N206, you can take a detour via Oostweg, Zuidweg , and Afrikaweg.
  • If you are coming from Afrikaweg or Amerikaweg toward the neighborhoods of Noordhove, Seghwaert, or Oosterheem, you can use the tunnel or Azíëweg.
  • Are you coming from the Australiëweg and heading toward SnowWorld? If so, you can continue your route via the Europaweg (north side) and the Amerikaweg. This route will remain open this weekend (September 4–6).
Eurotunnel Renovation: Map of Construction Work on September 4, 5, and 6

You can also find more information about the construction work on the BouwApp at .

Photo: Patricia Munster

Frequently Asked Questions

Temporary tunnel closure due to maintenance

Why is the tunnel being closed?

The tunnel will be closed for necessary maintenance. This maintenance will ensure that the tunnel remains safe, reliable, and future-proof for road users.

When is the tunnel closed?

The tunnel will be closed from July 17, 2026, through August 30, 2026. Every weekend, another nearby intersection will also be closed due to work on the Eurotunnel. This will take place in phases; details on these phases can be found on the website or via the BouwApp at . 

Why can't maintenance be performed while the tunnel remains open?

This is a major maintenance project, which is necessary to ensure the Eurotunnel is ready for the future. To ensure the safety of road users and employees, it is necessary to completely close the tunnel. In addition, this will allow the work to be carried out more efficiently and quickly, thereby minimizing disruption during the night. 

What work will be done?

The work may include:

  • Replacing Detection Loops
  • Resurfacing
  • Painting 

How will the closure affect traffic?

Vehicle traffic will be rerouted via the designated detour routes. This may temporarily increase travel time.

How will the closure affect traffic?

Vehicle traffic will be rerouted via the designated detour routes. This may temporarily increase travel time.

How are road users informed?

The municipality of Zoetermeer and contractor Van Gelder have been communicating since the beginning of this year about the upcoming road closure and the increased travel time. This information is being shared through the following channels, among others:

  • The municipal website 
  • Social Media 
  • Local media such as Stadsnieuws 
  • Bus Shelter Advertising
  • Digital screens in the city
  • Radio commercial on ZFM
  • Navigation systems / highway signs / GeoFence 

Are emergency services still available?

Yes. The municipality coordinates the work with emergency services to ensure that access to the city and surrounding areas remains unimpeded.

Will homes, businesses, and stores remain accessible?

Yes. The individuals concerned have been informed directly about this.

Should we expect any additional traffic disruptions?

Yes, delays may occur on the detour routes, especially during rush hour. Road users are advised to allow for extra travel time.

What is the municipality of Zoetermeer doing to minimize the disruption?

The municipality is taking various measures, such as:

  • Clear signage for detour routes 
  • Coordination with public transportation and emergency services 
  • Scheduling work to be completed in the shortest possible time 
  • Monitoring of traffic conditions during the closure 

Will public transportation be running as usual?

This depends on the current phase of the work. Any changes to routes or stops will be announced in advance by the transit agency.

What happens if the work is completed earlier or later than scheduled?

If the work is completed earlier than expected, the tunnel will be reopened as soon as possible. The schedule is subject to change in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be communicated in a timely manner.

Where can I go with questions or complaints?

If you have any questions, comments, or complaints, please contact the municipality at:

Why is this maintenance important?

Regular maintenance improves safety and ensures that the tunnel can continue to be used reliably in the future.