Helderse Zeewering

This project is separate from the developments around the Dijkkwartier. That is another project in which we as a water board are also involved. 

The Helderse Zeewering

The Helderse Zeewering is about 5 kilometers long and protects North Hollanders from high water from the North Sea. In 2023, we (as the administrator of the dike) started investigating what is needed to design the dike so that it once again meets the safety standard. We call this task the reinforcement task. 

 The image below shows the location of the dike reinforcement where the task applies. Please note that this is a global visual representation.

What's going on?

At the Helderse Zeewering, the asphalt on the outside of the dike no longer meets the safety standard. In the period 2022-2024 we conducted further research into the exact problem and the appropriate solution. An important issue from the research is the groundwater level in the dike during a storm with high water. For this, we collected measurement data with monitoring wells for two storm seasons.

During a storm with extremely high water, the groundwater in the Helderse Zeewering can reach below the asphalt. Pressure differences and high waves put the asphalt under tension and the waves can break the asphalt. See image below.

What are we going to do?

Currently, the revetment of the dike consists of part asphalt, zetestone and a crease berm. With the chosen solution, part of the asphalt revetment will be replaced with zetestone revetment. We will remain under the bike path on the dike with this modification.

Meanwhile, the preferred alternative (VKA) has been further developed into a preliminary design. It has become known that the asphalt up to the level just below the bicycle path will be replaced by setts with a layer of rubble and/or mine rock underneath. The appearance of the dike will look the same everywhere after the reinforcement. Nevertheless, the design distinguishes between the dike south of Cape Head and north of Cape Head. South of Cape Head there are heavier waves, so a thicker layer of stone revetment will be applied here than on the side north of Cape Head. The appearance of the dike will be the same on all sections. 

Two information meetings were held on October 1 and 2, 2025, during which, among other things, the preliminary design was presented. The presentation and frequently asked questions during these meetings can be found at the bottom of this page.

At Kaap Hoofd there is also a management task of approximately 1200 m. Here the asphalt on and above the bicycle path must be replaced. This is not part of the dike reinforcement that we have to do for the water safety task, but we will include it at the same time. So on this stretch the work will be above the bicycle path. 

Current state of affairs

The project is currently in the plan execution phase. In this phase, the preliminary design is further developed into a final design that can later be used by the contractor. The plan execution phase is concluded with the project decision and the most important permits needed to make this project possible. The project decision describes what the project looks like and provides insight into measures and facilities in the physical environment to realize the project. 

Want to know what else is involved in dike reinforcement? Then browse digitally through the book Dikes for Beginners.

Planning

By the end of 2024, the exploration phase was completed with an identified VKA. The plan execution phase was then started. The final design will be made in early 2026, after which the corresponding permits will be applied for. The realization phase is expected to start in 2027 or 2028.

No rights can be derived from the schedule. The (draft) schedule is subject to change. 

Who do we work with?

We work together with various parties. Think of residents and entrepreneurs along and on the dike, municipality of Den Helder, province of North Holland, Rijkswaterstaat, but also research agencies and the external dike experts.

Learn more

If you have any questions, please contact us via our contact form or via the general number 072-582 8282 and ask for the environmental manager Nienke Schut.