Commissioned by Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (HDSR), construction company Heijmans will begin work on reinforcing the Lekdijk between Wijk bij Duurstede and Amerongen. Heijmans is working on this project with two other companies, GMB and DEME, in the Lekensemble consortium. The project is part of the Dutch Flood Defence Improvement Programme (HWBP) and generates a turnover value of €70 million for Lekensemble, in which Heijmans has a one-third stake.
Work will commence this month and the dyke will be completed in 2027. The 11-kilometre route between Wijk bij Duurstede and Amerongen (WAM) is an important link in protecting hundreds of thousands of residents from flooding. In addition to water safety, the focus is also on quality of life, nature and recreation. The redevelopment will be tailored to the transformation of Lunenburgerwaard, creating space for walking, cycling and enjoying nature.
The WAM route is part of the extensive Sterke Lekdijk programme, which involves preparing a total of 55 kilometres of dyke for the future. As the Lekensemble, Heijmans, GMB and DEME have already worked together on the dyke reinforcement between Gorinchem and Waardenburg (GoWa).
Innovations in dyke reinforcement
Lekensemble was selected following a tender process, in which the innovative capacity of the consortium was a distinguishing factor. For example, plastic dam walls are used in the dyke, which are lighter and quicker to install than traditional variants and therefore have a smaller carbon footprint.
Careful implementation
With this project, Heijmans, GMB and DEME are combining their expertise in civil engineering, water engineering and road construction. The partners are working closely with HDSR, the municipalities involved and residents to ensure that the dyke reinforcement is carried out safely and carefully.
Bart Boleij
Manager Investor Relations
Martijn van de Koolwijk
Spokesperson