Veerse Gatdam - 1961
The Veersegatdam is one of the Delta works on the “3 island plan”, to connect Walcheren, North-Beveland and South-Beveland. The Veerse Gat was closed off in 1961 and the Veerse Meer originated.
The closing of the Veerse Gat was not an easy job. This because the hole that had to be closed was far bigger than the Zandkreekdam. The currents are always very strong there too. To do this job use was made of let-through-caissons. These had an open structure so the water could flow in and out during the build. First the area where the dam would arise was heightened by using dredgers. Then a layer of stones was laid on which the caissons would be set on. Finally the caissons were settled into the 320 metres wide gap. When the currents were at a minimum the giant doors were let down. When that job was finished, the dam could be finalized. Because the Zandkreekdam was already closed, a new creek was ‘born’, the Veerse Meer. This is now a favorite spot for water sports, but also hikers and cyclists can enjoy the surrounding nature.
For more information check: www.deltawerken.com/54.html
