Storm Surge Barrier

The Storm Surge Barrier, also known as the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, is a tidal barrier in the Eastern Scheldt estuary in the northwest of the Netherlands. The barrier is located between the town of Vrouwenpolder and the islands of Noord-Beveland and Schouwen-Duiveland. Built between 1986 and 1988, the Storm Surge Barrier protects the river against flooding. It consists of a moveable, retractable gate system with four steel sluices that can be closed in a case of a storm surge. The two most eastern gates are large, motorised sluices, capable of withstanding very high water pressures. The other two gates are dykes. When the Storm Surge Barrier is raised, the gates form a barrier between the Eastern Scheldt and the salt water seas. The project has been of great importance for the surrounding countryside and cities. The barrier and its accompanying dikes allow for reclaimed land and the construction of high-quality residential areas in the region and provides protection from flooding for the substantial amount of people living in the area.