In the Netherlands, two enormous gates, each 210 metres wide, can close against the North Sea to hold back dangerous storm surges. Known as the Maeslant Barrier, the structure stands near Hoek van Holland and was built between 1991 and 1997. According to Rijkswaterstaat, the Dutch agency that manages it, no other flood barrier in the world has larger moving parts. The barrier closes fully automatically when water levels are forecast to rise dangerously, and it helps protect residents of the province of Zuid-Holland. This article explains how it works, what it measures, and who keeps it ready and tested.
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