The Waaldijk between Gorinchem and Waardenburg (GOWA) has been reinforced over a length of 23 kilometres to meet current safety standards. The intervention adds a new layer to the river landscape, where flood protection, ecology, and public space are conceived as one integrated system. This holistic approach created space for a wider flow bed through naturally shaped secondary channels and nature development in the floodplains, while strengthening the connection between the dike, surrounding villages, and the area’s history. The result is a comprehensive regional development rather than a purely technical intervention.

An Integrated Approach

The project was realised within an alliance structure, with veenenbos en bosch closely involved from the exploratory phase through to construction. Thanks to this collaborative and integrated approach, GOWA evolved from a conventional dike reinforcement project into a comprehensive landscape development, addressing related spatial challenges such as improving water quality. This opened up opportunities in the floodplains, villages, and historical structures alike. The availability of additional land further contributed to cost efficiencies compared to initial projections. GOWA now serves as a reference for future dike reinforcement projects.

An Inviting Dike

The design of the dike is based on a careful balance between different reinforcement strategies—landward, riverward, or structural reinforcement—allowing existing and future values to coexist. The dike profile is consistently shaped, with smooth transitions along its alignment. This has resulted in a clear and legible line within the landscape, while also ensuring a safe, inviting, and continuous route for all users. It contributes to the experience of the dike in motion: a sequence of spaces, vistas, and moments that gradually reveal the surrounding landscape.

Using The River’s Strength

The floodplains play a key role within GOWA. Space has been created for ecological enhancement and river compensation, guided by the historical landscape structure and subsurface conditions. Secondary channels have been introduced to support the recovery of the natural river system and improve water quality, increasing ecological value and enabling new habitats to emerge. Excavated soil and clay have been reused in the dike reinforcement. Meandering paths, boardwalks, and bridges allow visitors to explore the river as a continuous and resilient river park.

Vibrant Landscape

Throughout the entire process, intensive engagement with local residents played a key role. Through consulting groups, private and public meetings, and site visits, a design was emerged that is firmly rooted into the local context. In Vuren, a park along the dike has been created, alongside plans for new riverside houses. At the Kaap van Haaften, the village square once again serves as a vibrant riverside gathering place. In Hellouw, co-creation with residents resulted in a community orchard, walking paths, and an outdoor classroom. At various locations, stairs, benches and terraces invite people to engage the dynamic river landscape.

Revived Heritage

The dike also tells the story of centuries of water defence. Elements from both the Old and New Dutch Waterline, as well as relics from the Second World War and the Cold War, have been restored, revealed, and made accessible. Examples include the fortress at Gorinchem, which has been rehabilitated. The inundation sluice at Fort Vuren has been given a new role as a hydraulic structure: no longer keeping enemies at bay, but using its historic inundation fields for emergency water storage during high river levels. In this way, military heritage gains renewed relevance. At the same time, the dike reflects the ongoing human effort to control water, even today, with recognisable overflow structures and the restoration of a monumental gauge house marking historic water levels.

Credits
Client: Graaf Reinald Alliantie
Partners: Waterschap Rivierenland, Haskoning, GMB, Heijmans, DEME group
Location: Waaldijk, The Netherlands
Design: 2016-2025
Build: 2021-2026

Gorinchem - Waardenburg