Graaf Reinaldalliantie has received 350 million euros so it can implement the strengthening of the dyke between Gorinchem and Waardenburg in the Netherlands over the next 5 years. Water Board Rivierenland, the client and partner in this alliance, received funding for this through the Flood Protection Programme. It is a major and far-reaching operation in the area.
Graaf Reinaldalliantie is a partnership of Water Board Rivierenland with the contractors Heijmans, GMB and de Vries & van de Wiel and with Royal HaskoningDHV as an advisory party.
Since the new safety standard was set, the dyke reinforcement between Gorinchem and Waardenburg is the first major project on the north side of the River Waal to be implemented. It involves 23 kilometres of dyke, from the Dalemsewal in Gorinchem (province of South Holland) to the crossing with the A2 near Waardenburg (province of Gelderland). The project is one of the top 10 most urgent projects in the Flood Protection Programme.
Yolande van der Meulen, Chair of the Alliance Board: “The next phase starts with the granting of the subsidy for the realisation of the Gorinchem-Waardenburg dyke reinforcement”. A good example of close cooperation in an alliance of three market participants, an engineering firm and Water Board Rivierenland. From the start of the exploration, a great deal of knowledge and experience has been combined and used for the purpose of a dynamic implementation. The result is a dyke reinforcement plan in which various interests come together. I am very proud that we have reached this milestone through good cooperation with all parties! And hope to raise a glass with everyone in 2026 to a waterproof dyke.”
Cooperation with other authorities delivers results
In order to ensure that the process runs smoothly from plan to design, close cooperation has been sought with the municipalities, provinces and the State. Among other things, this has led to a project plan for water law, which can be viewed online. Furthermore, the strengthening of the dyke offers opportunities for other projects (opportunities to join forces). For example, the development of the flood plains is a result of intensive cooperation between the various authorities.
The environment is also closely involved in the reinforcement of the dyke
In recent years, five working groups from the surrounding area have discussed what they consider important on and around the dyke. They have ensured that their ideas ended up on the agenda of the governments concerned. Not as a wish list, but to discuss opportunities and hurdles together and address them if possible. This cooperation has resulted in an intensive relationship between the residents involved and the Graaf Reinaldalliantie team.
Preparations for implementation are in full swing
In June of this year, the actual groundwork will begin. The work will be carried out in parts. This means that the entire process will not take place at the same time, but the work will be done per dyke section or cluster of dyke sections. During the implementation, the environmental managers will continue to closely involve the immediate environment in the work. In 2026, the dyke must once again be flood-proof.
Gorinchem-Waardenburg Dyke Reinforcement is part of the Flood Protection Programme
In the Flood Protection Programme, the water boards and the Dutch Ministry of Waterways and Public Work are working together on the largest dyke reinforcement operation since the Delta Works. 1,300 kilometres of dykes will be reinforced until 2050. For Water Board Rivierenland it involves about 400 kilometres of dykes in the river area.
