Wieringermeer Barrage Project/Haukesschutsluis

What's going to happen?

The Wieringermeer barrier protects the area around the Amstelmeer and Wieringermeer lakes against high water levels. No reinforcement is needed for the Westerlanderdijk and Amstelmeerdijk dike sections and two of the three locks (the Ulkesluis and Haukeskeersluis).

The Haukesschutsluis lock is an exception to this. Additional research has shown that this lock does not meet water safety standards and is also at the end of its service life. To determine what should be done with the lock, the concrete structure was examined underwater last summer.

The results of this study will be incorporated into a report presenting four possible options for the future of the lock. For each option, the costs, management and maintenance, and social impact will be carefully assessed.

Together with the province of North Holland and the municipality of Hollands Kroon, we are looking at which solution best suits the future of the Haukesschutsluis and the surrounding area. It is expected that a final decision will be made at the end of this year and agreements will be laid down regarding the distribution of costs and future management and maintenance.

When will the work take place?

Once it is clear which option will be chosen, a schedule for the execution of the work will follow. The intended objective is to have the lock comply with the standard by the end of 2030.

The other components of the Wieringermeer barrier (the dike sections and the other two locks) are included in regular maintenance by the management department. Where necessary, measures are combined with other work in the area. This allows us to keep the barrier safe and well maintained in the future.

Background

The Wieringermeer barrier is a historic flood barrier in the northern part of North Holland. The barrier runs from the Amstelmeer to the IJsselmeer near Medemblik. The project is part of the Flood Protection Program (HWBP), in which water boards and Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) are working together to ensure strong and safe dikes in the Netherlands.

More information

More information about the background of this project can be found on the website of the Flood Protection Program (HWBP).