Helderse Zeewering
The Helderse Zeewering along the North Sea no longer meets the standard for water safety. It concerns the outside of the dike. And that is why we are going to reinforce it. Since this is a so-called primary dike, the dike protects the inhabitants from the water from the sea, the project is included in the national Flood Protection Program (HWBP).
So this is not about the developments around the Dijkkwartier, which is another project that we as a water board are involved in.
In 2023, we (as administrator of the dike) started determining what is needed to design the dike so that it once again meets the standard and is safe enough. We call this the reinforcement task.
The Helderse Zeewering
The approximately 5 kilometer long Helderse Zeewering protects 1.2 million North Hollanders from high water from the North Sea. During the last assessment in 2021 it was found that the dike no longer meets the legal standard set for water safety. It concerns a task on the outside of the dike between Hotel Lands End and Fort Kijkduin.
The image below shows the location of the dike reinforcement where there is a task. No rights can be derived from this drawing.
What's going on?
At the Helderse Zeewering, the asphalt on the outside of the dike no longer meets the standard. We have been investigating the asphalt revetment since 2022. With the help of monitoring wells we have investigated whether reinforcement of the asphalt is necessary. Because with a combination of high water and heavy waves, there could be a risk of local sand being washed away under the asphalt. If this occurs, the asphalt could be pushed up and break. The study showed that it is necessary to address the asphalt cover. We monitored the situation on the Helderse Zeewering until May 2024, so we have measurement data from two storm seasons.
What are we going to do?
Dike reinforcement projects are divided into three phases: exploration, plan development and realization. The exploration phase took place in 2023 and 2024. In this phase, several alternatives were conceived and worked out that could make the dike safe again. From these alternatives, the preferred alternative (VKA) was chosen in mid-2024. This VKA is the best suited solution to make the dike compliant again. At the end of 2024, the exploration phase was completed with the adoption of the VKA by the board of HHNK.
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 stone revetment. This will create a slightly higher edge of bedding than in the current situation. Exactly how high the edge will be is not yet known, but we will stay below the bike path on the dike with this modification.
The project is currently in the plan execution phase. In this phase, the VKA is worked out into a design that can be used later by the contractor. To do this properly, detailed information is needed from and about the area. This is why various studies are being carried out. For example, research into protected animals and plants, the quality of the asphalt and the presence of contaminants. A number of surveys have already been carried out at the beginning of 2025; you may have seen us on the dike.
The planning phase concludes with the project decision and the main permits needed to make this project possible. The project decision describes the project 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. Then the plan execution phase started. The first studies have now been carried out. In 2025 the VKA will be elaborated into a technical design after which the corresponding permits will be applied for. This will be followed by the realization phase, which is expected to start in 2027.
The schedule (draft) is subject to change. No rights can be derived from the schedule.
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 Stefan van den Helder.