Dutch IJssel barrage
The storm surge barrier Hollandse IJssel ( Dutch Stormvloedkering Hollandse IJssel ) is the oldest structure of the Delta Works . The barrage is located in the mouth of the Hollandse IJssel near Rotterdam near Krimpen aan den IJssel . Since the Hollandse IJssel is an important shipping route, the river could not be dammed. On the other hand, improved flood protection should also make the drinking water supply for large parts of South Holland more secure, as there would be a risk of salt water flowing into the polders in the event of flooding . The barrage consists of two lifting gates, under which the ships can pass when the water level is normal. The gates are only closed in an emergency, ships must then use the lock next to it.
History and dates
Construction began in January 1954, less than a year after the flood disaster of 1953 . The barrage was closed for the first time on May 6, 1958. On October 22 of the same year, the facility was officially put into operation and named after Algera, Minister of Transport, who had resigned twelve days earlier. The costs amounted to around 40 million guilders (approx. 18 million euros).
The shooters are 81.2 m wide, 11.5 m high and each weigh 635 tons. The towers are 45 meters high and contain the drive systems and counterweights for the shooters . In order to ensure that the gates close exactly, the counterweights weigh only 460 tons. The system is equipped with emergency power generators so that the flood barrier can also be operated in the event of a power failure. In 1977 one of the shooters was replaced.
particularities
A bridge was built over the barrage, which, apart from the footbridge at the IJsselschleuse Gouda, was the first direct fixed connection between Krimpenerwaard and the rest of South Holland .
The construction of the Maeslant barrage has probably made this system unnecessary. Nevertheless, the gates are still closed when there is a storm. When planning the Maeslant barrage, it was planned to control the IJssel barrage using the computer system installed there, but the closure of the Maeslant barrage takes several hours. The Hollandse-IJssel barrage can be closed within a few minutes. This happens an average of five to six times a year. If the weather is very bad with snow, black ice or squalls, the bridge will also be closed.
Web links
Coordinates: 51 ° 55 ′ 2 " N , 4 ° 34 ′ 45" E