Brouwersdam Superspot
The Brouwersdam is one of the most imposing Delta works. The Brouwersdam is 6.5 km long. In total it took 9 years to close the Brouwershavens gap. Between 1963 and 1971 the sea arm was closed over a length of 6.5 km.
It seemed that, this was a general rehearsal , for closing off the last sea gap, the Oosterschelde. On closing the Brouwershavense gap , much experience was learned. It was a job mainly between dikes, but also using different techniques. On the north side of the Brouwersdam work was done using let-through caissons, just like they used in 1961 for the first time in het Veerse Gat. The southern gap was filled with concrete blocks. Just like the building of the Haringvliet, a cable-railway was used to position the blocks.
The techniques were improved , so the building was quicker. Work on the Haringvliet was done with gondolas, for the positioning of the concrete blocks over the gap, which were driven by diesel motors. With the Brouwersdam these were replaced with gas turbines. The improving of this technique made the tempo of the work double.
Working with caissons and the cable-railway provided a good combination. The risks of working with caissons are greater. The workers had to depend on nature, for the real closing a low tide was necessary and the possibilities of a storm were there. The cable railway on the other hand is not influenced by mist, storm, wind and currents. This also made it possible to work day and night until the dam of concrete surfaced.
This is why how it seemed to be a general rehearsal , closing the southerly part of the Brouwerhavense gap before the Oosterschelde works.
Activities
By its position of laying between the North sea and the Grevelingemeer, you can enjoy many activities on and by the water. Swimming, (beach) sailing, surfing and walking are but a few things that can be done. If you want to take things easy there are plenty of things to do too. A ride on a tourist tram over the dam or enjoy the view in one of the beach pavilions. To make it more enjoyable, parking is free. There are many places to eat and drink on both side of the dam, also surf schools and a marina for yachts is situated there. There are many places where you can stay over night, with an assortment of hotels, camp sites and holiday parks.
Tip:
Take a flight through the air on the new Water jump! The water jump is no ordinary water slide, but a jump of 8 metres that ends with a “Kicker” of 2 metres high. This is why you can fly at least 3 metres above the water and many metres far out. There are special tracks for snow boarding and skiing, one for BMX riders to stunt and one where you can body slide with use of a wet suit. The only thing you need is the ability to swim. Within no time everyone is doing amazing salto`s.
For more information: www.brouwersdam.nl
