Roffelaars Dam and the Valleikanaal

The main function of the Grebbelinie was to inundate large areas of land to prevent the enemy from entering the territory. For this purpose, so-called dam sluices were constructed at various points along the line. The water could thus be raised and then used to fill a so-called basin. The Roffelaarsstuw is one such dam sluice and was completed in 1865.
However, even in peacetime, water, and particularly drainage, caused problems in the Gelderse Vallei for centuries. To put an end to this permanently, several small water bodies were connected between the Rhine at the level of the Grebbeberg near Rhenen and the Eem at Amersfoort. The Bisschop Davidsgrift between Rhenen and Veenendaal, the Lunterse Beek near Woudenberg, and the Modderbeek near Leusden. Between 1935 and 1941, the plan was implemented, partly as part of the 'work creation' scheme, which also made use of the canals of the Grebbelinie as much as possible.
The Valleikanaal with its associated tributaries, such as the Lunterse Beek, also has significant connecting ecological value for the entire Gelderse Vallei and West-Veluwe as of 2015.
Recently, a fish pass was constructed next to the weir. (in the foreground of the photo)

De Wandelmaker