technische storing zorgt voor complete sluiting van rottemerentunnel
Rotterdam, maandag, 16 februari 2026.
De pas geopende Rottemerentunnel op de A16 bij Rotterdam is plotseling in beide richtingen gesloten vanwege een ernstige technische storing. Het defect treft het digitale bedieningssysteem, waardoor camera’s en matrixborden niet functioneren. Uit veiligheidsoverwegingen bleef de tunnel maandagochtend dicht. Automobilisten krijgen flink wat vertraging te verduren. Er zijn grote files ontstaan op de A15, A16, A13 en A20. Omleidingen leiden verkeer langs de A13 en A20. Rijkswaterstaat adviseert bestuurders omwegen te nemen. Exacte oorzaak van de storing is nog onbekend. Evenmin wanneer de tunnel weer open zal gaan. De tunnel werd in oktober 2025 geopend na zes jaar bouw. Nu lijkt die winst tijdelijk verloren.
technical failure shuts down new rotterdam tunnel
The Rottemerentunnel on the A16 in Rotterdam is closed in both directions due to a technical malfunction affecting its digital control system [1]. This disruption disables surveillance cameras and electronic matrix signs essential for monitoring traffic flow and issuing warnings [1]. As a precautionary measure, authorities decided to close the tunnel early Monday morning at 08:01 CET [1]. Drivers face significant delays across major highways including the A15, A16, A13 and A20 [2]. The closure impacts a critical transport link designed to reduce congestion around the Port of Europoort [1].
drivers rerouted amid growing congestion
Traffic is being diverted via alternative routes such as the A13 and A20 [2]. According to the Royal Dutch Automobile Association (ANWB), these detours contribute to heavy congestion [3]. Motorists traveling toward Rotterdam or the Europoort from Barendrecht experience approximately 40 minutes of delay starting from the Vaanplein interchange [2]. Similarly, drivers coming from Breda toward Rotterdam faced more than 30 minutes of additional travel time by 08:00 [2]. Rijkswaterstaat urges travelers to anticipate extended journey durations and consider alternate planning where feasible [3].
recent opening followed by repeated disruptions
The Rottemerentunnel forms part of the newly completed A16 extension near Rotterdam which officially opened in October 2025 following six years of construction [1]. Its purpose includes alleviating chronic bottlenecks on adjacent roads like the A13 and A20 [1]. However, just days before this incident, the tunnel had already experienced closures related to technical issues [2]. While no injuries occurred during this event, the recurring problems raise concerns about the reliability of recently implemented infrastructure systems [3]. Authorities have not disclosed the root cause of the latest failure nor provided an estimated reopening time [1][3].