Scheldedijk replaced by a new levee

With its 465 hectares, the Hedwigepolder in the Netherlands and the adjacent part of the Flemish Prosperpolder form the largest tidal area in Western Europe. The existing Scheldedijk has disappeared and further inland a new levee has been built.

Bird view Hedwige Prosperpolder - Sieperdaschor

Photo: Hedwige-Prosperpolder. Copyright Vilda - Yves Adams

After preparing the ground for construction, creeks and channels were dug. The water now flows through them to form mud flats and salt marshes. The soil that has been extracted during the excavation work has been used as much as possible for the new levee, which now connects Flanders and the Province of Zeeland. The existing salt marshes and the Scheldedijk itself have been cleared, so that the tide can take its course.