Project characteristics
The work encompasses c. 150,000 m3 of earth moving in the Loenensche Buitenpolder floodplain (in excess of 80 hectares), coastal and bank works, and creating a creek structure and a footbridge.
Excavation and redevelopment work
It is anticipated that the river’s water level will be sufficiently low in the spring to allow the work (i.e. dry earth moving) to be performed. In the eastern section we will be lowering a proportion of the ground level and a channel will be introduced in the western section, connected to the River Waal by means of an inflow/outflow opening. A footbridge for ramblers will span the outflow (western section). An inlet will be created (eastern section) for the inflow. The spoil that this work produces will be retained in the area and used to elevate the banks and former campsite as well as to make the sand extraction lake less deep.
Natural values and cultural history
The redevelopment of the floodplain will create a marshy, grassy habitat where birds and other creatures will feel at home.
Furthermore, a number of cultural-historical elements will be restored by Rijkswaterstaat, such as the old inlet and the spillway. Eventually in 2019 there will be ample room for people to stroll through the floodplain and soak up the cultural history.
Planning
The work in this area was commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat and Staatsbosbeheer in collaboration with Gelderland Provincial Executive, Overbetuwe municipal council and Rivierenland water board. Autumn 2018 saw us make a start on the preparatory work, such as carrying out soil surveys and archaeological surveys and the clearance of unexploded ordnance from the Second World War. In addition, latticework was removed, ditches mowed and trees and bushes taken out in places where we will be commencing the excavation and redevelopment work in the spring. The work is scheduled to be complete around summer 2019.
(aerial photograph: Snow-white luchtfotografie)
