Waterschap Scheldestromen to begin dredging near Axel

Waterschap Scheldestromen is scheduled to begin dredging operations in the waterway south of Axel, in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, during the week of August 31, 2026. The project covers sections between Lageweg and Derde Verkorting, as well as between Kanaalkade and the N258.

The primary objectives of the dredging are to improve water flow, reduce the risk of flooding, and enhance water quality by removing accumulated layers of leaves, plant remains, sand, and dust. A suction boat will remove the sediment, which will then be transported via pipes to two temporary depots located on a farm plot on Hulsterseweg. Once the sediment dries, it will be processed on-site.

Contractor Verboon Maasland will execute the work. The construction of the temporary depots is planned for September through November 2026, with the dredging itself expected to run from September 2026 to April 2027. Residents may experience noise from machinery and increased traffic, and some paths or maintenance strips may have limited accessibility during working hours (07:00 to 19:00).