Delta Works, Flood control infrastructure in Zeeland, Netherlands.
The Delta Works is a flood control infrastructure in Zeeland, Netherlands, extending across the mouths of the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers. It consists of several large barriers and dams that can be closed during storm surges, along with permanent dikes and sluices that prevent seawater from entering inland areas.
After the severe North Sea flood of 1953, the government began building these protective structures to prevent future disasters. The work lasted more than four decades and was completed in the late 1990s.
The name comes from the Greek letter delta, as the rivers form a triangular mouth here. Visitors today see structures that continue to provide flood protection while also serving as traffic routes, as locals perceive them as a natural part of the landscape and drive or walk on them to work or for leisure.
Several structures have visitor centers with exhibitions, often open from spring to autumn. Some barriers can be crossed on foot or by bicycle, but weather and wind conditions should be checked before visiting.
The movable gates of the Oosterschelde barrier each weigh about as much as a large office tower and can be closed in roughly one hour. When the gates are open, salt water flows in and out, allowing oyster beds and seal colonies to continue living in this area.
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