IJsselmeer Closure Dam
The IJsselmeer Closure Dam (Afsluitdijk) is in need of major overhaul. In 2006, the dam was tested against the flood risk management standard. The test showed that improvements are needed to ensure the future safety of the hinterland.
Results
In recent years, studies have been conducted into ways to enable the IJsselmeer Closure Dam to continue to guarantee the safety it currently offers. Around 2009-2010, the plans seemed full of promise. The IJsselmeer Closure Dam is an evident icon of the Netherlands as a nation which is expert in hydraulic engineering, and an overhaul can offer good prospects for sustainable water management: sustainable in terms of technical renovation, but also providing room for Nature, recreation, and opportunities for generating sustainable energy. It is a project eminently suited to accommodate the ideas contained in the Natural Climate Buffers. A strategic lobby was needed in order not to resort to classical dyke construction methods. The Waddenvereniging conservation organisation has lobbied energetically with a view to the “Future of the IJsselmeer Closure Dam” framework vision drawn up by the government.
Meanwhile, budget cuts have been made and the central government has opted for a dam that can withstand overtopping. During highly exceptional storms, sea water may overtop the dam. Along its entire length, the dam will be reinforced with a stronger top layer. The sluices and locks will also be reinforced. These improvements ensure that the IJsselmeer Closure Dam will provide protection from flooding up to halfway through this century.
Rijkswaterstaat is carrying out the work in collaboration with the Provinces of Fryslân and Noord-Holland, and with the municipalities of Sudwest Fryslân, Hollands Kroon and Harlingen. Responsibility for improving flood risk management and expanding the discharge capacity lies with the central government. The region is responsible for the ambitions relating to sustainable energy, ecology, recreation and tourism, and spatial quality. The implementation of the IJsselmeer Closure Dam improvement measures will commence in 2015.
Contact person
Wouter van der Heij
+31(0)517 - 493 634
vanderheij@waddenvereniging.nl