Start of work on the bridge and lock at Schouwerzijl
On October 1, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority will begin work on the bridge and lock in Schouwerzijl. The bridge will be repaired and the lock restored. The water board is combining the necessary repair and renovation work with the installation of a closure device in the lock. This closure device is one of the measures to improve water distribution in extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change. Work on the bridge and lock will continue until July 2022.
Work activities
The concrete work on the bridge will be repaired and the asphalt will be partially replaced. The bridge will be closed to car traffic for two weeks at the beginning of November. The bridge will remain accessible to cyclists and pedestrians. Restoration work on the lock will be carried out from November to March.
In addition, work on the closure facility will be carried out from November to mid-February.
Lock and shut-off device
The lock is being restored by repairing the masonry and natural and memorial stones of the lock walls. In addition, the visible woodwork is being refurbished, as are the steel parts of the lock gates on which the lock gates are suspended.
The closure device is installed for use in extreme precipitation situations. When closure is necessary, a check valve is raised to close the lock. Under normal weather conditions, the check valve is recessed into the bottom of the lock, maintaining the current
passage width and depth.
Climate adaptation
The installation of this closure facility is one of many measures being implemented by the Noorderzijlvest water board in response to climate change. This is increasing the risk of flooding and water shortages. The closure facility ensures that, in extreme precipitation situations, we can separate the
drainage areas of the H.D. Louwes pumping station in Zoutkamp and the De Waterwolf pumping station in Lammerburen in order to optimize drainage.
More information
In Schouwerzijl, the water board is carrying out work on both the bridge and the lock. We are installing a closure mechanism in the lock. We are also renovating the lock itself. In addition, we are repairing the Schouwerzijlsterbrug bridge. The work on the lock and bridge will take place between October 2021 and July 2022.