In collaboration with Van Aalsburg BV, Herbosch-Kiere is carrying out the structural restoration of the Middendijk between the Leopold Canal and the Leie Diversion Canal (also known as the Blinker and the Stinker).
The works are commissioned by De Vlaamse Waterweg nv and cover a stretch of approximately eight kilometres, running through the municipalities of Knokke-Heist, Bruges, and Damme.
This dike, which separates the two canals, plays an important role in safeguarding the water security of the polder area. Since a breach in December 2018 near the Zelzate Bridge in Damme, the structure had been severely weakened in several places due to erosion and slope instability. After a temporary emergency repair, it was decided to structurally reinforce the Middendijk to once again protect the region against flooding risks.
The works are scheduled to continue until 2027. At the same time, investment is being made in recreational accessibility: the towpath along the canal is being restored to allow cyclists to use the route smoothly again.
With this structural restoration, Herbosch-Kiere strengthens the water management network of the Flemish coastal polders and contributes to a safe and sustainable future for the region.