Starting Monday, April 14, 2025, Rijkswaterstaat will commence major maintenance on the Belfeld weir. The nearly 100-year-old weir is due for a significant overhaul. The work will be carried out by contractor Mourik Infra BV.
The scope of the work is extensive and can only be carried out during the low-water period for safety reasons.
After preparatory work in 2024, we will start major maintenance on the western weir opening on April 14, 2025. This will last until mid-October 2025. Subsequently, major maintenance on the eastern weir opening will take place in 2027.
Construction Pit Belfeld Weir
To properly execute the work, the western weir opening will be dewatered. This means that contractor Mourik will construct a kind of bathtub around the weir opening from which the water is pumped out. This creates a construction pit on the bottom of the Meuse where we can work dry and safely.
On-site, in the construction pit, the contractor will inspect the condition of the concrete structure. All damage to the concrete will be repaired and leaks will be sealed. Furthermore, the entire drive system and gates will be replaced. From the control center in Maasbracht, we manipulate the water level of the Meuse with the gates.
Dismantling Control Bridge
The control bridge on the weir will also undergo major maintenance. This will take place at another location. The control bridge will be dismantled and transported in parts for repairs and conservation (painting).
In August, we will reinstall the control bridge and the new gates. We will also install all new technical installations with which the weir is operated. Finally, the bathtub will be dismantled again. The plan is for the western weir to be ready for the future and operational by early October, in time for the high-water season.
End of Life for Weirs
The weirs in the Meuse are nearing the end of their lifespan. Therefore, major maintenance or possible replacement is necessary. We are investigating the best approach for each weir to ensure they can last for many more years. The weirs cannot all be addressed simultaneously; this will be done in phases.
More information about the work can be found on the Maas: project GRONST; major maintenance weirs page.