Houtribdijk reinforcement

Videos about the Houtribdijk

The Houtribdijk is an unique project between Enkhuizen and Lelystad. On this page, we offer you a better look at the reinforcement of the levee as a whole.

Houtribdijk reinforcement: Building with Nature (March 2019)

The Houtribdijk was built in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Originally, it’s purpose was to create new land in the Markermeer. Now it links the province of North Holland to Flevoland. We are reinforcing the Houtribdijk with large loads of sand. This natural building material comes from nearby the levee. Hydraulic filling deposits 10 million cubic metres of sand. This sand is shaped into wide, sloping banks. These slopes will absorb the force of the waves. The transition between water and sand will also benefit natural diversity. This type of reinforcement in a freshwater environment is a world first. Scientists are monitoring how sand and waves affect each other. This increases our knowledge of innovative, nature-based reinforcement. Ensuring smart protection of the Netherlands, by building with respect for nature.

Reinforcement Houtribdijk with sandy banks: a worldwide first

(On-screen title: Reinforcement of the Houtribdijk.) VOICE-OVER: A 25-kilometre-long dike has kept the Netherlands safe for over fifty years. This is the Houtribdijk, also known as the Markerwaarddijk. Scenically located, it forms a dam between the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. To keep the provinces in the IJsselmeer region safe, we're reinforcing the Houtribdijk. That's not all, our focus is also on nature and recreation. (Boats sail on the water. One arrow points to Enkhuizen, and another arrow, to Lelystad. Near the part of the dike that's near Enkhuizen, the following text appears: 'Reinforced with sandy banks'. In the middle, it says, '270 hectares of new nature', and near Lelystad, 'Reinforced with quarry stones.') TRANQUIL MUSIC Near Lelystad, the dike is reinforced with quarry stones. At the Enkhuizen end, the dike will have broad, sandy banks. These will break the waves in the future. This reinforcement approach in such a huge non-tidal, inland body of water is a worldwide first. We're also seizing opportunities for nature development and recreation. A water sports beach near Lelystad will accommodate kite surfers and wind surfers. Rijkswaterstaat is also improving the water quality. Halfway along the dike, on the Markermeer side, we're developing new nature, where fish, insects and shellfish like to live. This, in turn, attracts birds. (Waves crash against the side of the dike. Dark birds perch upon rocks in the water. White birds fly away.) THE TRANQUIL MUSIC CONTINUES Innovative dike reinforcement and attention to nature give this beautiful area abundant opportunities to develop. And help keep the Netherlands safe. (The Dutch coat of arms, next to: Rijkswaterstaat. Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. The screen turns yellow and white. On-screen text: More information? Visit rijkswaterstaat.nl/houtribdijk/english. A production of Rijkswaterstaat. Copyright 2018.)