Schouwerzijl lock
In Schouwerzijl, the water authority carried out work on the bridge and the lock. A closure device was installed in the lock. In addition, the lock was renovated and the Schouwerzijlster bridge was repaired. The intention was to carry out the final work in November and December. The railings have been installed, but due to the weather conditions in recent weeks (frost and rain), the work on the paving and harbour facilities has been postponed until early 2023.
Closure device
Installing the closure device is one of the many measures we implement as a water authority in response to climate change and the increasing risk of flooding and water shortages. The device ensures that we can separate the drainage areas of the H.D Louwes pumping station in Zoutkamp and De Waterwolf pumping station in Lammerburen in extreme situations.
By installing a closure device in the lock, we are better able to retain or drain the water.
Lock
The renovation of the lock itself was included in the installation of the closure device. In 2020, archive material was collected and the lock was inspected so that we have a good picture of its cultural-historical value and its condition. The masonry of the lock walls has been repaired. The floor of the lock is still in good condition. The lock was drained in order to carry out the renovation. The lock gates have been replaced but have no function in water management.
Schouwerzijlster Bridge
Studies have shown that a large proportion of the bridges in the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority management area are in need of refurbishment. Seventeen bridges will be replaced or renovated in the 2020-2023 period. Preparations for the replacement and/or renovation of the Schouwerzijlster bridge were scheduled to start in 2022, but have been brought forward so that the work can be combined with that for the new closure device.
Preparations for work on the bridge began in 2021. Inspections of the bridge and the lock foundation were carried out. The use of the bridge was also studied in detail. This led to the conclusion that the bridge does not need to be replaced, but only requires renovation. This mainly involves concrete repairs on and under the bridge. For this work, the existing asphalt on the bridge deck was removed and reapplied. The existing railings were recoated with the same colour scheme.
Harbour area
In order to maintain the lock, bridge, and locks properly, the water authority needs space alongside the lock from where it is possible to work with a crane for example. The best location for this is southeast of the bridge and lock, on the harbour site. Het Hogeland Council and the Vereniging Dorpsbelangen (Village Interests Association) have coordinated their plans regarding the harbour layout.
