Oosterscheldekering
Zeeland
The Oosterscheldekering, or Eastern Scheldt barrier, is the largest and most complex structure of the Dutch Delta Works, designed to protect the Zeeland province from North Sea flooding. Spanning nine kilometers between the islands of Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland, it functions as a storm surge barrier with sluice-gate-type doors that remain open under normal conditions to allow saltwater flow and marine life preservation but can be closed during severe storms to prevent flooding. Construction began in 1976 and was completed in 1986, with the road over the dam opened in 1987. The barrier is supported by 65 massive concrete pillars and 62 steel doors, each 42 meters wide, built to last over 200 years. An artificial island, Neeltje-Jans, was created to facilitate construction and now serves as an educational center. The Oosterscheldekering is celebrated as an engineering marvel, sometimes called the eighth Wonder of the World, and recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the modern Seven Wonders. Its innovative design balances flood protection with environmental conservation, reflecting the Netherlands' commitment to sustainable water management.
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Astuce: Visitors are advised to visit during mild weather to fully appreciate the barrier and its surroundings. The educational center on Neeltje-Jans island offers informative exhibits and guided tours. Tickets for the center and tours should be purchased in advance during peak seasons. The sluice gates close automatically during high water levels or storms, and closures can be observed occasionally, providing a unique experience. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, and children. Accessibility is good, with parking and visitor facilities on Neeltje-Jans.
Faits intéressants
- •The Oosterscheldekering is considered the eighth Wonder of the World and is recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the modern Seven Wonders.
- •The barrier’s sluice gates are normally open to allow tidal movement and saltwater marine life to thrive, unlike most dams that fully close off water bodies.
- •Construction involved custom-built ships named after shellfish, such as Mytilus, Cardium, Ostrea, and Macoma, specialized for seabed preparation and pillar placement.
- •Each concrete pillar weighs about 18,000 tonnes and stands between 35 and 38.75 meters high.
- •The artificial island Neeltje-Jans, created for construction purposes, now serves as an educational center for visitors and a maintenance base.
Histoire
The Oosterscheldekering was constructed in response to the devastating North Sea flood of 1953, which led to the ambitious Delta Works project to protect the Netherlands from future flooding.
Initial plans aimed to build a fully closed dam, but public protests from fishermen, environmentalists, and local communities led to a compromise design featuring open sluice gates that preserve the saltwater ecosystem.
Construction started in 1976 and took over a decade, involving a consortium of Dutch contractors.
The barrier was officially opened by Queen Beatrix in 1986, marking the completion of the Delta Works.
The road atop the barrier was opened in 1987 by Princess Juliana, commemorating historic floods that shaped Zeeland's landscape.
Guide du lieu
Neeltje-Jans Educational Center
Located on the artificial island created during construction, this center provides interactive exhibits about the Delta Works, the Oosterscheldekering’s engineering, and local marine ecology.
Storm Surge Barrier Sluice Gates1986
The 62 steel doors are 42 meters wide and can be closed during storm surges to protect the land behind the barrier. They are usually open to preserve the marine environment.
Concrete Pillars1976-1986
The barrier rests on 65 massive concrete pillars, each weighing 18,000 tonnes and reaching heights up to nearly 39 meters, carefully placed on a stabilized seabed.
