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Building together towards climate-resilient dikes

The Dike Reinforcement Tiel-Waardenburg is a crucial project within the Dutch High Water Protection Program. The project covers an area of approximately 19 kilometers between Tiel and Waardenburg and is being executed by the construction consortium Mekante Diek (Dura Vermeer, Ploegam, and Van Oord) on behalf of Waterboard Rivierenland.

Why was BAEKEN needed?

This dike reinforcement project of nearly 20 kilometers is an extremely complex project due to the adjacent Natura 2000 area, many local residents, historical sites, the changing factors, and sustainability ambitions. Forward-thinking and flexibility are therefore crucial. Informal communication and quick decision-making meant that decisions were no longer made according to the schedule. I ensured that the schedule took a central position once again, becoming a steering tool that, representative of the large number of stakeholders, guided the process. Thanks to BAEKEN’s expertise, the project is not only being completed successfully from a technical perspective, but it is also making the most of sustainable innovations, ensuring the project is realized in a future-proof manner.

How did we approach the project?

1

Introduction to the schedule and stakeholders
Building a good relationship with the teams and stakeholders is crucial, as mutual trust leads to open communication and collaboration. In the initial phase, I ensure that I closely collaborate with the various teams, ask questions, and work alongside them to gain insight into the project’s approach. This allows me to use the schedule as a reliable steering tool that is supported by everyone.

2

Establishing structure in communication and progress
One of the biggest challenges in this project was that the schedule was not yet central in guiding the construction phase. My focus was on structuring communication and progress reports, making the status of the project clear to everyone involved. This not only improved transparency but also strengthened the collaboration between construction and planning. As a result, the schedule regained a central role in decision-making.

3

Planning with flexibility and insight into risks
In addition to regularly updating the schedule, I integrated a recurring risk analysis. This enabled us to proactively identify risks and create buffer space within the schedule. With this approach, we could not only closely monitor progress but also respond flexibly to unexpected changes, resulting in minimal delays and a smooth execution of the project.

4

A dynamic schedule focused on the future
As the project progressed, I integrated the schedule into the organizational and information structure. By developing scenarios based on risks and future uncertainties, the schedule evolved into a strategic tool. This approach allows us to manage the project not only in the short term but also to remain prepared for unpredictable, impactful circumstances. This resulted in greater control and flexibility, enabling the project to remain successful even in changing situations.

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