Do you see that narrow waterway stretching before us? That is Zijkanaal I. It’s more than just a canal. Zijkanaal I connects the East Zaan Overtoom to the IJ Bay.
Zijkanaal I is one of ten side canals linked to the North Sea Canal. These canals connect to rivers that once flowed into the former IJ Bay. This was before its reclamation.
The North Sea Canal is a vital waterway. It enables seafaring vessels to reach the port of Amsterdam. The canal stretches from Amsterdam to the North Sea at IJmuiden. It was constructed between 1865 and 1876.
But let’s focus on Zijkanaal I. This side canal has a unique story. It is known as Zijkanaal I, with the letter I. It forms a connection between the IJ and the former Oostzaner Overtoom. This is near Oostzanerwerf.
Look at the banks of Zijkanaal I. The eastern and northeastern banks run along several dikes. These dikes are part of the historic Waterlandse Zeedijk.
Interestingly, Zijkanaal I is not a dug canal. It is a remaining part of the original IJ. In 1872, the Noorder IJpolder was reclaimed. This section of the IJ was left to ensure the Oostzaner Overtoom remained connected by water. Until 1986 there was a shipyard.
The western bank of Zijkanaal I marks the eastern border of the Noorder IJpolder. Zijkanaal I has two basins. These are the Papaverkanaal and the Cornelis Douweskanaal. The Noordelijke Singel of Tuindorp Oostzaan also opens onto Zijkanaal I.
There are several bridges crossing Zijkanaal I. One is for motorized vehicles, Brug 356. It’s located in the Klaprozenweg. Additionally, there are three bridges for pedestrians: the Theo Fransmanbrug, the Kadoelenbrug and the Bongerdbrug.
The North Sea Canal and its side canals like Zijkanaal I have changed Amsterdam. The North Sea Canal improved the connection between Amsterdam and the North Sea. The original North Holland Canal was too narrow for growing boat traffic. In 1865, digging began for the new canal. It lasted until 1876. The North Sea Canal was built by digging through the old IJ Bay. It was lined with dikes. The remaining parts of the IJ Bay became polders.
To accommodate drainage, nine side canals were dug. These are Side Canals A to I, including our Zijkanaal I. The canal was officially opened by King William III in 1876. Over the years, it has been widened and deepened. Remember Zijkanaal I as a vital piece. It connects Amsterdam’s waterways to its rich history.