Dike reinforcement Monnickendam Sea dike

What's going to happen? 

All dikes in the Netherlands are periodically assessed for safety. In 2011, sections of the dike around Monnickendam with a total length of approximately 3.9 kilometre were kilometre . The section of the Waterlandse Zeedijk on the south side of Monnickendam needs to be reinforced (see illustration). This section is not part of the current work being carried out by the Markermeer Dikes Alliance (AMMD). The water board will take care of this section of the dike.

Monnickendam sea wall reinforcement project takes another step forward

Water board board determines most suitable reinforcement solutions

On November 5, 2024, the HHNK executive committee determined the most suitable reinforcement solutions, known as preferred alternatives, for the Waterlandse Zeedijk near Monnickendam. The dike section runs from Braakje to the exit to Uitdam near Oosterpoel and no longer meets the legal safety requirements and must be reinforced. We can now further develop the reinforcement solutions. This will enable residents along the dike and in the hinterland to continue to live, work, and recreate safely in the future. 

The most suitable solutions

The dike south of Monnickendam is part of the Markermeer dikes. The reason these dike sections are not included in the current Markermeer Dikes Alliance project is because they were assessed and rejected at a later date. The preferred alternatives consist of two measures to bring the dike back into compliance with safety requirements. The reinforcement is partly an inward reinforcement in which the inner berm is widened. This solution has the greatest effect in reinforcing the dike. Due to a number of houses close to the dike, the inner berm cannot be widened at those locations. To make the dike safe here as well, we will apply customized solutions. A steel sheet pile wall will be installed at the Markgouw sports park in Monnickendam. The location near the peat moss reed bed within the NNN area managed by Staatsbosbeheer has also been designated as a customized location.

Working together on a safe dike

The preferred alternatives have been determined by the HHNK board. The local community was actively involved in reaching this decision. In the next phase of the project, the preferred alternatives will be developed in detail into a design. The project is part of the national Flood Protection Program (HWBP): a programme the national government, water boards, and Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) work closely together to protect the Netherlands against flooding. In addition, the water board is collaborating with the municipality of Waterland, the province of North Holland, and Staatsbosbeheer (the Dutch Forestry Commission).

Where is the project taking place?

The section of dike to be reinforced, Monnickendam Zeedijk, is located in the municipality of Waterland (see illustration). The section runs from Braakje to the exit to Uitdam at Oosterpoel. 

When will the project take place and how long will it last?

Dike reinforcement projects are divided into three phases: Exploration, Plan Development, and Implementation. The exploration phase has now been completed. Plan development will start in January 2025.