Kickoff for construction of Second Coen Tunnel

AMSTERDAM – The first steps have been taken on the long road to curtailing the daily huge traffic snarls at the Coen Tunnel. Transportation Minister Camiel Eurlings set the process officially in motion recently for the construction of the Second Coen Tunnel in Amsterdam. With a completion date set for 2012, the new tunnel is expected to allow for an improved flow of traffic in the region known as the Randstad and for a better access to Amsterdam as well. The plan also includes a new access road to the Second Coen tunnel. Environmental groups opposed construction for years, arguing that the tunnel would generate still more traffic and a higher carbon output.