First pile driven for construction of Dubbele Dijk tidal culvert
With a loud bang, Delta Program Commissioner Peter Glas, Annette van Velde of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, Johan Koopmans of the Province of Groningen, and representatives of the Flood Protection Program, Wadden Fund, and Friso Bouwgroep in Bierum today drove the symbolic first pile for the construction of the tidal culvert of the Double Dike. The festive start took place in the presence of participants in an excursion to the Dubbele Dijk, as part of the National Delta Conference in Groningen.
A 92-meter tube
Since August, hard work has been underway on the construction of the construction pit. This watertight steel structure protects the land against flooding and makes it possible to safely build the dike passage during the storm season. Now that the construction pit is ready, the piles for the foundation can be driven into the ground. The tidal culvert will be a concrete tube almost 92 meters long, with a diameter of 2 meters high and 3.5 meters wide. Salt water will soon flow in and out of the area through this tube. The work is being carried out by a combination of Friso Civiel and Heuvelman Ibis.
Tidal diver
The tidal culvert is the connection between the Eems and the area behind the sea dike. A pipe is placed in the dike through which salt water flows in and out of the area twice a day. This causes the area between the two dikes to be influenced by the tides (ebb and flow). The tidal action allows silt from the Eems to settle here and brackish water nature to develop. The brackish water also makes saline agriculture and aquaculture possible.
Taste Double Dike
The Double Dike near Bierum is a pilot project by the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, the province of Groningen, and the national Flood Protection Program (HWBP). The project is investigating whether the Double Dike is an alternative to raising and widening dikes. What makes this innovative dike unique is its combination of water safety, nature, agriculture, and recreation. The pilot project is also part of the multi-year Eems-Dollard 2050 program.
Want to know more?
The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority maintains dikes and quays to ensure they remain strong enough to hold back water. We are responsible for the 70-kilometer-long sea dike between Lauwersoog and Delfzijl. Would you like to know how we do this? Take a look at the pageon dike and quay maintenance.
More information about the Double Dike and the tidal culvert can also be found on the website of the Province of Groningen.
