IJsselmeer dike between Stavoren and Afsluitdijk deemed safe until 2035, no reinforcement needed
Residents behind the 30-kilometre IJsselmeer dike can breathe easier: authorities confirm it meets safety standards until at least 2035. New calculations show the dike withstands extreme storms, avoiding costly upgrades for now.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Dike section | 6-2 (Stavoren to Afsluitdijk) |
| Length | 30 kilometres |
| Safety assessment result | No reinforcement needed until at least 2035 |
| New calculation method | Updated knowledge and rules confirm dike’s strength |
| Damage during severe storm | Possible outer damage (e.g., holes in clay layer), but no safety risk |
| Supervisory authority | Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) |
| Next inspection cycle | Every 12 years (next review by 2038) |
| Current reinforcement work | Wadden Sea dike (Koehool-Lauwersmeer) and Schiermonnikoog dunes/dikes |
The regional water authority is legally responsible for maintaining primary water defences, including dikes along the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea. Their assessments ensure compliance with national safety standards, protecting communities from flooding risks.
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Read the full translated article below
No reinforcement needed for IJsselmeer dike between Stavoren and Afsluitdijk
The IJsselmeer dike between Stavoren and the Afsluitdijk is strong enough to protect the hinterland from high water. This conclusion follows from our assessment, which has been confirmed by the daily board. This means that no dike reinforcement will be required until at least 2035.
We inspect the dikes along the Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer every twelve years to ensure they meet national water safety standards. This is a legal obligation. The study of this specific dike section (dike section 6-2) between Stavoren and the Afsluitdijk shows that the dike is sufficiently strong. This section is 30 kilometres long.
New calculation method
Previous studies suggested that the dike required improvement. ‘With the application of new knowledge and calculation rules, it is now clear that the dike is safe,’ says daily board member Frank Jorna. ‘During a severe storm, damage may occur on the outer side of the dike, such as holes in the clay layer. However, this does not compromise safety: the dike is strong enough and will not fail during a storm that occurs once every thousand years. Any damage will be repaired.’
Next steps
We have sent the inspection results to the supervisory authority, the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). Once the Inspectorate has given its approval, we will finalise the report.
Future safety
We are responsible for more than 180 kilometres of primary water defences along the IJsselmeer, the Wadden coast and on Ameland, Schiermonnikoog and Terschelling. We are constantly looking ahead to ensure that people can live, work and recreate safely behind our dikes and dunes.
Every twelve years, we assess whether the dikes meet the safety standards. If new technical insights or information about sea level rise or water levels become available, we review whether the assessment needs to be adjusted. Currently, we are working on the reinforcement of the Wadden Sea dike between Koehool and Lauwersmeer and the dike and dunes on Schiermonnikoog.
Our goal is for all dikes to meet the standards by 2050. Reinforcements are part of the Flood Protection Programme. We conduct additional inspections on dikes that do not yet meet the standards. Where deficiencies are identified, we take measures.