Hagestein dam complex

The 1950s in the Netherlands were dominated by reconstruction projects. Many towns and villages had been destroyed in World War II and their infrastructure needed to be rebuilt. Bridges and roads were repaired and expanded. Waterways and water management were also given a great deal of attention. The Rijkswaterstaat (Department of Waterways and Public Works) worked on the Rhine Canalisation project. This project aimed to make the rivers more easily navigable and improve water management (to prevent salinisation, etc.).

In the context of the Rhine canalisation, the Rijkswaterstaat constructed 3 almost identical weir complexes on the Lek near Hagestein, Amerongen and Driel, with which a large part of the Netherlands’ water management could be monitored. The design of the complexes was very innovative. The Hagestein weir was the first to be delivered in 1958. The visor gates are striking – two arc-shaped steel structures that can be opened and closed to regulate the flow of the river. The Hagestein dam has been designated a protected national monument.

To prevent nature from being adversely affected by the weir, a fish ladder was constructed in 2004. Fish moving up the river from the sea to their spawning grounds can jump through the lock by means of special stairs. The fish can be easily observed from a nearby parking space.

Further reading: Hagestein village centre, Jan Blankenweg lock complex, Jan Blanken funerary monument, Vianen water tower, Fort Everdingen, The Lekbridge.