Coupures
You are at the coupures. A coupure is a break in a flood defense such as a dike and is an important passageway between the city and the harbor. There are four passageways: two electric rolling doors, a revolving door, and a sliding door. In case of emergency, we can close these doors. This is always done in collaboration with the Hunze en Aa's Water Board.
Our floodgates are extremely important for protecting the land against outside water. Between October and April, there is often a risk of storms and high water levels. When the water level rises above +3 meters NAP, the floodgates close. The highest water level we have ever measured is 4.83 meters above NAP. When this happens, we close the gates to prevent water from entering. The higher the water, the better the gates close due to the pressure of the water. If water does leak in, it is collected in the sewer system. In this way, we also keep a close eye on our 750-meter-long dike.
Video Exercise closing cuts
We close the floodgates (dyke passages) in Delfzijl at high tide when a water level of 3 meters above NAP is expected. This happens most often during the storm season from October to April.
Safety jackets, flashing lights, and road closures are the first signs that it's time. During the preparations, diversion signs are put up and traffic lights are adjusted to divert traffic. You can see how the closure of the coupures proceeds in the video...
Location
Coupures Delfzijl
De Vennen
9934 CK Delfzijl
Measures in case of high water
When closing the cuts, there are a few important measures we take:
- Clearing parking lots and buildings outside the dykes.
- Shutting down sewer pumps outside the dikes.
- Diverting roads and cleaning up the area after a period of high water.
History
To protect Delfzijl from the Spanish army, construction of a small fortification around Delfzijl began in 1569. Nevertheless, Delfzijl was ultimately captured by the Spanish in 1580. In 1591, Prince Maurice recaptured the city, expanded the fortifications, and built a wide wall on the sea side, incorporating the Grote Waterpoort (Great Water Gate). Later, during the Siege of Delfzijl (1813-1814), the English entered the city through this gate when they recaptured it from the French.
The coupures are important passages in the flood defenses between the city and the harbor. With four passages, they protect us from outside water. When the water level rises above 3 meters above sea level, we close the doors and spring into action. The Grote Waterpoort is a historical symbol of our water management.
The Great Water Gate
The Grote Waterpoort as it stands today was built in 1833. In the 1970s, this dike passage was restored and is still in use as a cut-off to this day. The gate can be closed with a metal door in case of flooding.
The Small Water Gate
The Kleine Waterpoort, also known as the Ruyterpoort, is another breach in the dike near Delfzijl. Its doors can be closed with a manually operated revolving door. The gate owes its name to Michiel de Ruyter, who brought the West Indian fleet ashore in Delfzijl in 1665. The gate has several paintings commemorating this event.
Farmsumer gate
One of the other gates in Delfzijl was the Farmsumer gate, which closed off Delfzijl from the access road from Farmsum. This gate no longer exists. During the relief of Delfzijl, the French left the city through this gate.
Country gate
The Landpoort was also a former gate in Delfzijl.
