Old lock gates from Termunterzijl to be transformed into picnic benches
Residents near Termunterzijl will witness a unique repurposing project as large lock gates are removed and turned into picnic benches. The work may cause temporary closures, but the gates will return in 2027 as part of flood protection upgrades.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Termunterzijl, Groningen |
| Date of Removal | March 23, 2026 |
| Transport Time | After 10:00 PM |
| New Purpose | Picnic tables, benches, loungers |
| Final Placement | Nieuwe Statenzijl |
| New Gates Installation | 2027 |
| Temporary Closures | Walking path near pumping station Cremer, access road to pumping station Rozema |
| Transport Route | Via Baamsum to Hoogeveen |
The Rijkswaterstaat, responsible for the management of waterways and flood defenses in the Netherlands, oversees this project to ensure the lock remains functional while giving old materials a second life. Such initiatives align with sustainable practices and community engagement in infrastructure projects.
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Read the full translated article below
Operation to remove large lock gates from Termunterzijl lock
Unique repurposing: from lock gate to picnic bench
On Monday, March 23, Termunterzijl will be the center of a special event: the lock gates of the lock between pumping station Cremer and pumping station Rozema will be removed.
From lock gate to seating
The gates will be lifted out of the lock in one piece and then given a new purpose. They will be transported on a low-loader to the Intermediate Station of the Bork Group in Hoogeveen. There, the old lock gates will be transformed into picnic tables, benches, and loungers. These will later this year be placed near the lock complex in Nieuwe Statenzijl. In this way, the gates will remain visible in the area in a meaningful way.
New gates in 2027
Although the current gates will no longer serve a function, they will return in the future. In 2027, new lock gates will be installed. These will serve as an additional safeguard and will be used when the main storm surge barrier in the sea dike requires maintenance.
Transport during evening hours
The transport of the imposing gates will take place in the evening, after 10:00 PM, and will travel via Baamsum towards Hoogeveen.
Temporary closures
Preparatory work will begin this week. The walking path near pumping station Cremer towards the lock will therefore be temporarily closed. On Monday, March 23, the access road to pumping station Rozema will also be inaccessible. After completion, we will ensure that the road and path are reopened as quickly as possible. We will do everything we can to minimize any inconvenience.
You can observe the work from a safe distance. Please follow the instructions of our staff.
Contact
Ida van Emmerik
Communication Advisor
Tel: 0598-693510
E-mail: