The construction of the Zandkreekdam started shortly after the barrier in the Hollandse IJssel was completed. The Zandkreekdam was one of the two dams that would connect Walcheren, North Beveland and South Beveland according to the ‘Three Islands Plan’.

The Zandkreek dam had to be closed at low water levels, and preferably during the period of ‘neap tide’, the twice-a-month tide with the smallest difference between high water and subsequent low water. The caissons were sunk with the help of a crane, which prevented the caissons from being tilted. After a caisson was placed, another attachment was placed. This happened before the high tide, because the caisson without an extension was NAP + 1 meter and the high water was NAP + 1.5 meter. If the top piece were not installed in time, the caisson would overflow during high water.

On the day the caissons were placed, the sand and stones were also placed on both sides of the dam, which prevented the caissons from shifting due to the tides. The water could no longer pass over the caissons, but could pass under them. Then the joints between the placed caissons were filled.