
The Delta Works of Zeeland
Oosterschelde barrier

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

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

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.
