A24 tunnel: the technology behind the Maasdeltatunnel and Hollandtunnel

Maasdeltatunnel and Hollandtunnel: two tunnels, one connection

The A24 is not one continuous tunnel, but two separate tunnels that together form the Blankenburgverbinding. The Maasdeltatunnel crosses the Scheur and the Nieuwe Waterweg, two busy shipping channels west of Rotterdam. The Hollandtunnel runs under the Broekpolder and the Midden-Delfland area. Both tunnels are part of the same toll road but were built using fundamentally different methods. Those who want to know more about the cost per trip on the A24 can find this on the toll rates page of MOVE-IZI.

How do you build a tunnel under a busy shipping channel?

The Maasdeltatunnel was built as an immersed tube tunnel. With this construction method, large concrete tunnel elements - known as immersion elements - are manufactured on land. They are then transported over water and sunk one by one into a prepared trench on the bottom of the channel. The elements are then connected to each other and the trench is covered.

This method is particularly suitable for situations where a tunnel must cross a busy waterway. Shipping traffic on the Scheur and the Nieuwe Waterweg did not need to be interrupted during construction, as the work took place underwater. Moreover, an immersed tube tunnel makes it possible to achieve large cross-sections - useful for multiple lanes and escape corridors.

The Maasdeltatunnel consists of multiple tubes each containing two lanes, supplemented by a separate escape corridor for emergencies. The tunnel walls are made of reinforced concrete and lined with materials that meet strict fire safety requirements.

What makes the Hollandtunnel technically special?

The Hollandtunnel was built with a tunnel boring machine (TBM). A TBM is a cylindrical machine with a rotating cutting head at the front. The machine bores through the ground, simultaneously placing concrete tunnel segments on the inner wall, working step by step forward.

The advantage of a bored tunnel is that the environment above the tunnel is barely disturbed. In the case of the Hollandtunnel, this was essential: the tunnel runs under a contiguous green area, the Broekpolder, which had to be disturbed as little as possible. The TBM method made this possible without the need for large construction pits at the surface.

The Hollandtunnel is narrower than the Maasdeltatunnel, but provides sufficient space for two lanes per direction. The round tunnel tubes are lined on the inside with fire-resistant material and equipped with ventilation systems that quickly come into operation during an incident.

Safety at the A24 tunnels: fire safety and evacuation

Both tunnels are designed with safety as a priority. They comply with the European safety standard for road tunnels (Directive 2004/54/EC) and feature extensive systems for monitoring, ventilation and evacuation.

In the tunnels, emergency doors are installed at regular intervals leading to escape corridors - separate spaces outside the driving tubes protected against smoke and heat. At the Maasdeltatunnel, these escape corridors are part of the tunnel structure itself. At the Hollandtunnel, they are integrated into the boring segment.

Both tunnels are equipped with surveillance cameras, fire detectors, automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers) and a centrally operated ventilation system that optimises smoke extraction in case of fire. The tunnels are monitored 24 hours a day by a traffic control centre.

e-TOL on the A24: paying toll via licence plate recognition

The A24 Blankenburgverbinding is a toll road. Toll is collected via automatic licence plate recognition: cameras register every licence plate with every trip. Drivers pay toll via an authorised service provider such as MOVE-IZI, or themselves within 72 hours via e-TOL.nl. There is no physical toll gate, no barrier and no transponder required.

The toll rates on the A24 are:

• Light vehicles (up to and including 3,500 kg): €1.57 per trip
• Heavy vehicles (heavier than 3,500 kg): €9.49 per trip

Please note: fully electric vehicles are exempt from toll charges on the A24 Blankenburgverbinding.

The rates in this article are valid from 1 January 2026. Toll amounts are indexed annually based on inflation and may change.

Drivers who use the A24 without a registered licence plate must pay the toll themselves on e-TOL.nl within 72 hours. If no match is found, the driver (or someone else) must remember to pay the toll themselves on e-TOL.nl. This can be done within 72 hours. If you do not pay on time, the registered keeper will receive a payment reminder with €9 in administrative costs. If payment is still not made, a fine of €35 will follow. Register your licence plate in advance at MOVE-IZI to prevent this.

What does the A24 mean for the accessibility of the region?

The Blankenburgverbinding is the second river crossing west of Rotterdam, after the Beneluxtunnel. The A24 relieves the road network around Rotterdam and improves the accessibility of the Western Harbour, Vlaardingen, Schiedam and the Westland. The toll road is part of a broader strategy to maintain traffic flow in the Randstad, also in the longer term.

Frequently asked questions about the A24 tunnels

What is the difference between the Maasdeltatunnel and the Hollandtunnel?

The Maasdeltatunnel is an immersed tube tunnel that crosses the Nieuwe Waterweg and the Scheur. The Hollandtunnel is a bored tunnel that runs under the Broekpolder. Both are part of the A24 Blankenburgverbinding, but were built using fundamentally different methods.

How long are the A24 tunnels?

The Maasdeltatunnel is approximately 1.5 kilometres long. The Hollandtunnel is shorter. Together they form the core of the A24 Blankenburgverbinding between the A20 near Vlaardingen and the A15 near Rozenburg.

Are the A24 tunnels safe?

Yes. Both tunnels comply with European safety standards for road tunnels and are equipped with sprinkler systems, escape corridors, fire detectors and surveillance cameras. The tunnels are monitored 24 hours a day.

Do I need to pay toll in the A24 tunnels?

Yes. The A24 Blankenburgverbinding is a toll road. Toll is collected via automatic licence plate recognition. You don't need a transponder; register your licence plate at MOVE-IZI and toll is automatically charged per trip. If you don't have an account, you can also pay toll yourself via e-TOL.nl within 72 hours of your trip.

How do I pay toll on the A24?

You have two options: register your licence plate at MOVE-IZI via move-izi.nl (automatic processing per trip) or pay yourself via e-TOL.nl within 72 hours after each trip. With MOVE-IZI you don't need to keep track of anything after registration.