Once a year, before the start of the storm season, Rijkswaterstaat closes the Maeslant Barrier and the Hartel Barrier to test these storm surge barriers.
Closure Went Smoothly
On Saturday afternoon, September 13, around 5:50 PM, an estimated thousand spectators watched as the arms of the Maeslant Barrier slowly moved towards each other over the water to close the Nieuwe Waterway. The deployment, closing, and sinking of the arms took more than two hours.
Since Sunday morning at 6:45 AM, the signal on the storm surge barrier has been green again: the barrier is open and ships can use the waterway again. The 28th functioning closure of the Maeslant Barrier and Hartel Barrier went smoothly.
Preparing for the Future
Robert Tieman, Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, was present at the functioning closure and emphasized the importance of the storm surge barrier: Impressive to see today how that enormous barrier closes. Our country has 3500 km of dikes, dunes, and barriers, which we are now working hard to ensure that the Dutch are also protected against high water in the future.
Indeed, major changes are coming our way, think of rising sea levels and more extreme rainfall, but also the ravages of time that affect our waterworks. It is important to think now about what will be needed then, and whether there is enough money available to cope with these changes. Because one thing is certain: working on our water safety is never finished.
Rich Water Tradition
Delta Commissioner Co Verdaas updated the present officials on the recalibration of the Delta Program and the future management and use of our storm surge barriers: The Maeslant Barrier and Hartel Barrier are icons of our water safety. This annual test shows that we are well prepared for storm surges. At the same time, it is important in our delta to keep looking ahead: how do we keep the Netherlands safe in the future?
The recalibration of our approach in the Delta Program helps us set a course. Together with all stakeholders, we are now writing a new chapter in our rich water tradition. For a future in which we not only protect the Netherlands but also make it more beautiful and sustainable.
Guided Tours and New Exhibition at Keringhuis
The information center at the Maeslant Barrier, the Keringhuis , is open all year round, every day of the week. Even now, the Keringhuis was busy and the guides led many groups both inside the center and outside at the barrier. The main theme of the Keringhuis is water safety in the Netherlands.
A new part of the exhibition was inaugurated today about building with nature. This is a theme that is becoming increasingly important in our approach to climate adaptation and sustainable water construction. It shows how technology and ecology can reinforce each other, and how we can work with natural processes instead of against them.
Successful Functioning Closure
Rijkswaterstaat carries out a closure every year in preparation for the storm season. During this, both the technology of the barrier and the organization are tested. After the major maintenance in the summer months, this confirms that the barriers can close when needed.
The successful closure of the Maeslant and Hartel Barrier marks that Rijkswaterstaat in South Holland is ready for the storm season, which runs from October 1 to April 15.
Europoort Barrier
The Maeslant Barrier, located in the Nieuwe Waterway near Hoek van Holland, was built between 1991 and 1997. This self-closing barrier is the last completed Delta work. During the same period, the Hartel Barrier was built near Spijkenisse, which protects the underlying Europoort area.
The Hartel and Maeslant Barrier together (with the tilt quay on the peninsula of Rozenburg that connects to dike ring Rozenburg, the Botlekweg, and A15 from dike ring Rozenburg to the Hartel lock and the Hartel lock itself) form the Europoort Barrier.
They always close together, even during the functioning closure, and together with the underlying dikes, they protect about 2 million people in Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and the surrounding area against storm surges from the North Sea.
Protection Against High Water
The Netherlands is a water country. A large part of our country lies below sea level, and many major rivers find their way to the sea here. This makes the Netherlands vulnerable to flooding. Additionally, sea levels are rising, the ground is sinking, and we are increasingly facing storms, heavy rain, and high river levels.
Protection against high water is and remains a matter of life and death. The 13 Delta works in South Holland, Zeeland, and North Brabant have been protecting us against high water for almost seventy years.
