KIJK: Hollandsche IJssel dyke reinforcement

The Hollandsche IJssel dyke is being strengthened and raised to ensure the safety of the more than 200,000 residents of Krimpenerwaard. The project partners of the KIJK project are currently working on the first works execution designs.

KIJK aims to minimise the risk of flooding as much as possible, so that people can continue to live, work and enjoy their lives in safety. Under assignment to the collaboration between Boskalis and Van Hattum en Blankevoort, Witteveen+Bos and Royal HaskoningDHV have been involved in the plan implementation and works execution phases. This project is being carried out for the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard water authority.

10 kms of dyke with over 700 buildings

The dyke reinforcement project is strengthening ten kilometres of dyke on the banks of the IJssel between Krimpen aan den IJssel and Gouderak. The project is part of the High Water Protection Programme (HWBP). In 2018, a preferred alternative was established that indicates how each section of the dyke can be strengthened. This alternative was developed in further detail during the plan development phase. The expertise of the water authority and the engineering firms and contractors was brought together at a relatively early stage of this phase due to the complex nature of the project, which includes both technical and financial challenges. With this approach, the collaborating parties managed to create a sound dyke reinforcement plan. 

Reliable, feasible, licensable

The project partners first developed the design as part of the permit process, which involved carrying out various studies to ensure the design was reliable, feasible and licensable. This included considering integration, feasibility, and sustainability objectives, as well as the effects on nature, archaeology, soil, cultural history, and groundwater. The Environmental Statement was also developed, together with the project decision in connection with the Environment and Planning Act.

Residents, businesses and other stakeholders have been involved in this project. To address concerns about vibration damage during sheet pile insertion, a sheet pile test was conducted. Witteveen+Bos contributed its expertise to this, including by installing its own vibration meters. The results have prompted additional local monitoring and adjustment of the works execution method.