Niftrik, Grave, Balgoij

The Meuse has always been present in this region, as a source of life but also as a threat. In the early twentieth century, high water levels caused serious concern. Between 1900 and 1927 the river flooded regularly; in 1926 it became clear that reinforcing the dikes alone wasn’t enough. Under the leadership of W.C. Lely (1854 – 1929, hydraulic engineer, minister, governor and politician), it was decided to canalise the river. Ten sharp bends disappeared, including the meanders at Balgoij and Keent. This made the Meuse 19 kilometres shorter and gave the water more room to flow away more quickly.

The consequences were far-reaching. Keent was separated from Balgoij and farmers had to relocate. At the same time, jobs were created: hundreds of workers were deployed to dig the new river course. The construction of the weir and lock at Grave (1929) made the Meuse safer and more navigable, but raised the water level. To make sure the Raam tributary could still discharge its water, the Van Sasse pumping station was built in 1928. At the same time, the Van Citters pumping stations at Niftrik and Balgoij were built to pump the weteringen into the Meuse.

In the second half of the 20th century the focus remained on shipping and dry feet. But the disadvantages for nature and fish stocks became increasingly clear. From the early 21st century a new approach emerged: giving the river more space. At the Loonse Waard, a side channel was dug that contributes to both water safety and nature restoration. In Keent, the old Meuse meander was restored, creating a dynamic nature area with grazing and water storage.

Measures have also been taken to restore ecology. At Grave, fish ladders have been built: a large one in the Meuse itself and a smaller one at the Van Sasse pumping station. Species like ide, barbel and eel can now once again move between the river and side waters.

Together, these projects show how water management along the Meuse has evolved over a century: from a technical battle against water to a system where safety, shipping and nature work together.

Photo Meuse: ©Eefke Peeters via Land van Cuijk
Photo Bench: ©Bas Hendriks via Land van Cuijk
Photo Cyclists: ©Cybox via Land van Cuijk

This Premium Cycling Route was created by our editor: Désirée van Uffelen.