VisitThings to doSightsDelta WorksThe Delta Works of Zeeland

The Delta Works of Zeeland

When you come to visit Zeeland, you will pass one or more flood barriers which form the Delta Works. It was in the night of 31 January to 1 February 1953 that the south-west of The Netherlands was devastated by a disastrous North Sea flood. The Works were built to prevent the Netherlands ever again being struck so hard.

The delta’s estuaries were closed off by dikes, dams and sluices. Sea defences were raised to ‘delta level’, namely five metres above standard known as NAP, roughly that of the summer flood tide of Amsterdam when it was open to the sea.

Oosterschelde barrier

The Oosterscheldekering flood barrier is by far the best-known link in the Delta Works, and was the last to be completed. It leaves the Oosterschelde estuary partially open to the sea – the original plan was to close it entirely. During early construction, and after some protest, it became clear that closure would mean the loss of an area of unique natural value. The barrier was redesigned as a dam with sliding gates to be closed during heavy storms or spring tides. Stunning in all dimensions, it is called the Eighth Wonder of the World by some.

Grevelingendam

The building of the Grevelingendam created a new lake, the Grevelingenmeer. The largest freshwater lake in Western Europe, it is a popular place for water sport lovers – with extra special appeal to divers. The dam is six kilometres long connects up Schouwen-Duiveland and Goeree-Overflakkee. To build it, an innovative method was used, dropping concrete blocks in place from a suspended cableway. The same technique was applied again on other sites, including for the Brouwersdam.

Photo credits: Rijkswaterstaat

Brouwersdam

The 6.5 kilometres of the Brouwersdam separate the Grevelingen lake from the North Sea, carrying road traffic between Schouwen-Duiveland and Goeree-Overflakkee. It’s an all-weather favourite for water sport disciples: the North Sea side is a mecca for kite surfers, while windsurfers congregate on the Grevelingen.

Oesterdam

At 10.5 kilometres, the Oesterdam is the longest of the Delta Works dams, connecting Tholen to Zuid-Beveland. It separates nature from shipping. To the west, the Oosterschelde stretches out, to the east, maritime traffic makes its way along the Schelde-Rhine canal, passing smoothly through the locks of the De Kreekraksluizen.

Zandkreekdam

The Zandkreekdam was the first dam in Zeeland to be completed. In those early days, when the bridge over the locks was open, road traffic would get severely backed up. To solve this, a bypass bridge was built alongside the Veerse Meer. This took shape when the Zandkreekdam closed the estuary of the Veerse Gat, where another was erected. The lake’s full closure restricted its oxygen supply, with algae growth and odours as a result. The dam was modified by inserting two concrete tubes, 80 metres long. Thanks to this culvert, known as the Katse Heule, the Veerse Meer lake looks good, smells good and is partially tidal again.

Philipsdam

The seven-kilometre Philipsdam lies between the Grevelingendam and Sint Philipsland. It closes the Krammer and Volkerak water bodies off from the Oosterschelde estuary. The sluice gates have a complex system of pipes and pumps to create a screen of air bubbles which prevents the salt water of the Oosterschelde from entering the fresh water of the Volkerak. One benefit of the resulting silting up of the salting marshes is a huge increase in the bird population.