The Switch 

Most recent developments of the Zuid-Willemsvaart

As the discussion about the (re)introduction of the IJzeren Rijn flared up again, the problems in the water system of the Zuid-Willemsvaart continued to increase. The Zuid-Willemsvaart with its water system is under pressure. During periods of prolonged drought, the water supply from De Maas is at its lowest, while water consumption increases exponentially. During periods of extreme heat and/or drought, it costs more energy to maintain the water level on these higher-lying sandy ridges. This means, among other things, that there is not always enough water for everyone. For several consecutive years, water restrictions have been imposed at times of shortages, as laid down in the Water Act (2009). The Zuid-Willemsvaart provides many functions: supply of fresh water to the sea, water supply for households, drinking water, industry, agriculture, nature and shipping. The Water Act introduces sequentiality here, whereby the party that serves the greatest (public) interest is given priority over the other. With increasing climatic change, the artificial water system of the Zuid-Willemsvaart is becoming increasingly vulnerable. As a result, a stable water level during the hot and dry summer months is no longer tenable. We see that in recent years. That is a fact that we have to learn to deal with. There is one party that is being hit extremely hard by the falling water arrow and that is the shipping. There is also the danger (significant increase in energy consumption) that this shortcoming will be compensated with extra freight traffic (trucks). 

The Switch – a cargo transhipment on the intersection of the Zuid-Willemsvaart and the IJzeren Rijn

With the ever lowering water level during the hot and dry summer months, a design has been made. This lower water level formed the starting for this. Shipping is no longer possible throughout the entire year. That resulted in a project location near Weert at the intersection of the Zuid-Willemsvaart (water) and the Iron Rhine (train). In times of extreme heat and/or drought, the goods can be transported further from boat by train, at this cargo transhipment. The other 45 kilometres (from sluice 16 tot Maastricht) of this B-watercourse (Zuid-Willemsvaart) can provide its other functionalities with a lower water level. This means substantially lower energy consumption and smarter deplorability of both forms of mobility. In doing so, they not only cross each other, but reinforce each other's shortcomings. The aim is to consciously opt for an interaction between De Zuid-Willemsvaart and the Iron Rhine, in which everything revolves around the right balance. Integrity ensures a robust transport system that can continue to function within its own borders, called - The Switch.