The Afsluitdijk.
Futureproof again
The Afsluitdijk has been protecting The Netherlands from the force of water for over 90 years. Situated in a unique marine landscape, the dike is also a breeding ground for sustainable innovation and it connects the provinces of Friesland and Noord-Holland. Over the course of a few years, Rijkswaterstaat and De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk will work to make the dike futureproof once again.
Stronger, higher and robust looking
The Afsluitdijk will be heightened and it will be given a new top layer. We will place 75.000 ultramodern concrete blocks of 6.5 thousand kilograms each on the flanks of the dike. These blocks will break the waves in case of a storm and they are designed to preserve the spectacular simplicity that gives the dike its unique character.
Free passage for fish
The fish migration river is a kilometres-long meandering river that will allow fish to swim straight through the Afsluitdijk. It is an innovative project aimed at restoring the open connection between the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. We expect that millions of migratory fish, such as the sea trout, salmon, the river lamprey, the eel and the European flounder will use this river in the future. Doing right by the ecosystem
Drain when possible, pump when necessary
We’re building additional sluices and high capacity pumping stations in Den Oever. In the future we will be able to pump water out of the Ijsselmeer into the Waddenzee if necessary under any circumstances. This way we can protect the area around the lake from flooding.
A place where wind, sun and water meet
The Afsluitdijk is the ideal testing ground for innovative and sustainable energy sources. Wind, sun, water, it’s all there. At the Afsluitdijk we are using water currents and the confluence of fresh and salt water to produce energy.
Travelling from Noord-Holland to Friesland safer and better
The Afsluitdijk is more than just a water barrier. Every day thousands of motorists use the A7 to travel between Noord-Holland and Friesland. This motorway will get a new surface, wider shoulders and a new type of crash barrier.
Experience the Afsluitdijk
Each year tens of thousands of visitors visit the Afsluitdijk. They come to see the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre, the Casemat museum or the monument of Dudok. In the near future a new cycle and walking path with a great view on the Wadden Sea will also be added. Does it get any more Dutch?
Respecting our history
Some 90 years ago thousands of hands built the Afsluitdijk, stone by stone. We are proud of the dike’s history and therefore we will cherish the original design by Cornelis Lely and the monumental structures such as the bridge towers designed by architect Dirk Roosenburg, which are a national heritage site.
Work and nuisance
One driving lane will be available in both directions
The Afsluitdijk will be heightened and strengtened. We will place 75.000 concrete blocks on the flanks of the dike.
Parallelroad north closed for all traffic (Zurich-Kornwerderzand)
Temporary construction site for the builders who reinforce the Afsluitdijk
More information about hindrance? Visit www.deafsluitdijk.nl/en/hinder
More information about hindrance? Visit www.deafsluitdijk.nl/en/hinder
Cycle path Afsluitdijk closed, free Bicyle bus
The Afsluitdijk will be higher and stronger and there will be a new cycle path. Windpark Friesland will lay cables for the new wind farm. Find out more about the Bicycle bus.
More information about hindrance? Visit www.deafsluitdijk.nl/en/hinder
View all road work
Van A naar BeterStay up to date about roadworks
Receive updatesVisit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre
At Kornwerderzand you will notice a remarkable building; The Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre. Here you will get to know everything about the history and future of the Afsluitdijk. It is also the ideal location to experience the Unesco World Heritage site that is the Wadden sea, as well as the fish migration river and the Ijsselmeer area. For more information and tours, visit the website of the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre.
To the website
Frequently asked questions
- Who is responsible for the projects?
Rijkswaterstaat will reinforce the dike and take the measures that will enable us to drain more water from the Ijsselmeer into the Wadden sea. De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk, a regional project partnership, will give the area an economic boost through projects on recreation, tourism, nature and innovative sustainable energy sources.
- Is the Afsluitdijk accessible during the work?
Yes, the Afsluitdijk will remain accessible during the renovation. However, you are likely to experience delays due to the work on various parts of the dike. This means that not all driving lanes will be available at all times and the cycle path will be (partially) closed for three years. We will arrange shuttle bus services for slow traffic. The sluices will also alternatingly be closed for short periods of time, ships will have to take another route.
- Can I follow the construction process?
Yes, in more than one way. You can view the schedule on this website. We will add pictures and videos and there will be live webcam feeds of the construction sites on the website. It’s better still to come visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre in Kornwerderzand. Here you will find lots of fun facts about the work at and around the Afsluitdijk.
- How long will the renovation take?
We expect to finish all the tasks at hand in late 2023. In 2022 the Afsluitdijk will once again protect us from the water, until at least 2050. In 2023 the Afsluitdijk will be open for millions of migratory fish and home to new innovative sustainable energy sources.
Contact
Can’t find the answer to your question? Send an e-mail to The Afsluitdijk service desk via loket@afsluitdijk.nl of 0800-6040.
Just one Afsluitdijk, lots of stories
After years of hard work the final gap in the Afsluitdijk was closed in 1932. Ever since, the Afsluitdijk has been of unmeasurable importance for all of the Netherlands. Therefore the Afsluitdijk is our common property. It is the place of heroic stories. And it will remain so.
A joint effort of Rijkswaterstaat and De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk
Also made possible by all our partners