REINFORCED LEK DIKE, NIEUWEGEIN

The Lek dike protects a large part of the central and western Netherlands against flooding. However, the dike no longer meets the updated flood protection standards established in 2017. For this reason, the section has been included in the Flood Protection Programme (HWBP).

The dike stretch between Amerongen and Schoonhoven, with a total length of approximately 55 kilometres, is being reinforced. This strengthening ensures that the dike will continue to provide adequate protection against high water levels in the future.

The project is divided into several sub-sections, each with its own challenges. GEO2 Engineering is involved, in support of WSP, in the geotechnical preliminary design (VO) and detailed design (DO) of the complex Nieuwegein sub-section. In this area, the Lek dike largely runs through the urban environment of historic Vreeswijk and its sluices.

GEO2 Engineering’s activities focus on the assessment of existing retaining structures within the dike near Vreeswijk and the design of the required new structures. Key interfaces include the lock heads and lock chamber walls of the Old Lock and the Rijkshulpschutsluis. These structures are also being assessed and, where necessary, appropriate measures are being designed. The interaction between all structures is taken into account throughout.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that the dike remains safe in the future, while preserving the historic character of Vreeswijk.