More Than Just a Dike Reinforcement
The current dikes in Well were built in the 1990s as emergency dikes. They are not high or strong enough to continue protecting the village from high water levels of the Meuse River in the future. With the Green River Well Area Development project, the dikes in Well will be reinforced and partly relocated.
However, a dike reinforcement alone is not enough to ensure safe living and working in the long term. The Meuse will also be given more space. Among other things, a new bridge will be constructed as an extension of the Koningennebrug between Well and Wanssum, allowing water to flow freely underneath during high water. This creates a green river: a seepage area that can be intentionally flooded during high water. This keeps the Meuses water level lower during high water; an effect noticeable as far as Roermond. The nature that arises contributes to stream restoration and provides a habitat for various plant and animal species. Sustainable agriculture is also possible.
Better Protection and Attractive Living
Years of preparation have preceded this moment. During the exploration phase, intensive cooperation took place among all involved authorities and the local community. Spatial quality was the starting point in developing the plans. Attention was given not only to water safety but also to an accessible and attractive living environment. This is reflected, among other things, in the preservation of cultural-historical values, such as the Well Castle, a national monument. The castle ensemble is protected appropriately without hiding it behind high dikes. At De Kamp, a solution was chosen that was not obvious: by raising some houses, part of the existing dike can be removed. This is also a tangible example of cooperation with the community.
By working together integrally, we invest not only in better water protection but also in a healthy and attractive area for future generations, Jeroen Achten, director of Waterschap Limburg
Start of the Implementation Phase
Waterschap Limburg, the municipality of Bergen, Province of Limburg, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, and Rijkswaterstaat collaborate within this project. The project is part of the national Flood Protection Program. With a symbolic push of a button, the leaders of all involved authorities gave the go-ahead for the implementation phase on February 23. The plans will be detailed in the coming period together with the contractor. Work will start in 2027.