Afsluitdijk & Kazemattenmuseum

When:

14 March 2012

14:00 Hour - 16:45 Hour

Event organizer:North-east region

Description

Future of the Afsluitdijk
Built in 1932, the Afsluitdijk is in need of a major refurbishment. The test against the flood protection standard in 2006 showed that improvements are needed to keep the hinterland safe in the long term. In its current state, the dike no longer suffices to provide guaranteed flood protection for the country.
■the government proposes that we make the top layer of the dike stronger along its entire length ('transhipment-resistant').
■we renovate the sluice and lock gates
This choice came about after extensive consultation with the surrounding area and on the basis of visions drawn up by market parties. Moreover, we are renovating the drainage and lock gates. We are also paying attention to opportunities for sustainable energy, nature and recreation on the dike.
Rijkswaterstaat is realising the Future of the Afsluitdijk project in conjunction with the Extra Spuicapaciteit
Afsluitdijk project and in cooperation with the provinces of Friesland and North Holland. We are involving the public to actively think along with us.
Planning (subject to change)
2012 to 2014 Plan development phase
Circa 2015 Shovel in the ground/start of construction

Extra Spuicapaciteit Afsluitdijk
Ready: 2017
The current two sluice gates are not always enough to keep the IJsselmeer level as it is. To prevent flooding around the IJsselmeer, Rijkswaterstaat is working on a new third sluice complex with fish-friendly sluice management. This will achieve:
■Maintaining the winter target level for the IJsselmeer for the medium term.
■Medio 2012: decision by the State Secretary for Infrastructure and the Environment regarding the choice of pumping or sluicing
■1st quarter of 2013: Input on Project Plan, Zoning Plan and Nature Conservation Act permit application

Kazemattenmuseum Kornwerderzand
In 1921, the decision was taken to build the Afsluitdijk.The War Department wanted reinforcements for the Fortress of Holland. It is decided to build fortifications. The design is by the Corps of Engineers and consists of scattered casemates, each with a separate function. The direction of fire is in all directions, especially towards the Frisian coast. The concrete quality can withstand shelling with a calibre of 21 to 28 cm.
The Kornwerderzand Defence Line consists of a total of 17 heavy casemates, 9 of which are in the 1st line. Before the defences on the Afsluitdijk, there was a final defensive position on the Frisian mainland: the Wonsstelling.
During the war days of May 1940, the casemates were crucial for the defence.
During the German occupation, there was initially little interest in the position and it was a guarded crossing point.Coastguard and Grenzschutzmanschappen were stationed there. When the German war chances turned (defeat at El Alamein and Stalingrad)
the position was fully manned again from 1943 onwards.
During the Cold War, the position was manned again from 1952 to 1960.
The Kazematten Museum houses 3 monuments to the fallen

14:00 Reception at the Kazemattenmuseum in Kornwerderzand
14:00 - 14:45 Presentation "Future Afsluitdijk" by Rijkswaterstaat. Includes Q&A and discussion.
14:45 - 15:00 Short break with consumption
15:00 - 15:45 Presentation Kazemattenmuseum by Tour Guide/Volunteer. A comprehensive introduction on historical context, construction and history before, during and after World War II.Includes questions.
15:45 - approx. 16:30 hrs Free visit to the various objects.
Approx. 16:45 hrs Closure of the afternoon programme.

Speaker(s)

Ir. Jan Driebergen (Afsluitdijk project leader)
Mr. Ton Henni (coordinator Museum tours)
Ir. P. Dijkshoorn (board member and portfolio holder Events KIVI-NIRIA Noord Nederland)