Coastal reinforcement Nolle-Westduin
In tackling the Weak Link at Vlissingen, various interests have been interlinked with a view to coastal reinforcement and the required compensation of lost natural area. Harmony was sought and found between flood risk management and spatial quality.
Results
At Nolle-Westduin, the existing dyke was heightened, widened, and made capable of withstanding overtopping by overlaying it with asphalt. In view of the hinterland (Nollebos), this was deemed an acceptable option. The dyke was then integrated into the landscape (it connects with the adjacent beach and dune area) by introducing sand on and around the dyke. 
The result is a water-secure dune area where consideration has also been given to recreational interests (beach houses, parking areas, beach crossings, cycle paths, etc., have also been realised). Wildlife has also been borne in mind by compensating for the natural area lost on the 12 hectares of land behind the dyke. The realised dune widening can be expanded in the future as the space required for the next 100 years has been taken into account. Altogether, it was a large project in which the municipality of Vlissingen, the province of Zeeland, Rijkswaterstaat, and the Scheldestromen municipal water board collaborated very well together.
Contact persons
Waterschap Scheldestromen
Arjan Goossen
+31(0)88-2461483
arjan.goossen@scheldestromen.nl
André Marinisse
+31(0)88-2461337
andre.marinisse@scheldestromen.nl