Due to several setbacks, the construction of the dam took seven years and was opened on 1 April 1965 by Minister of Transport and Water Management, Jan van Aartsen.

[2] The construction of the Grevelingendam permitted Dutch civil engineers and contractors to gain experience that would be necessary for the Brouwersdam, along with more complicated closure works such as those at the Haringvlietdam, and the Oosterscheldekering.

The dam is founded over much of its length on a sandbank known as the Plaat van Oude Tonge, which dries out at low tide.

Between the north side of the Plaat van Oude Tonge and the bank at Goeree-Overflakkee, the dam crosses a shallower, 1000 metre-wide network of gullies.

The flow velocities in the closing area were therefore analysed and calculated in detail for the various caisson sinking phases, using the Deltar analogue computer, which had just been developed at the time.

[7][8] The shallow nature of the northern channel permitted a more gradual closure, with the use of a 1.9 kilometre long cable car system.

[9] The advantage of a gradual vertical closure is that flow velocities are limited, resulting in a reduction in the magnitude of scour holes either side of the dam.

Using the cable-way stone was dumped on a threshold covered with fascine mattresses, polyethylene foil, and asphalt mastic.

[9] With the Grevelingendam complete, the subsequent construction of the Brouwersdam in 1971 created the Grevelingenmeer Lake, which has become a popular water sports location for recreational diving and sea kayaking.

[8][5] The N59 runs over the Grevelingendam, with a secondary bridge constructed over the Grevelingen lock to cope with increased traffic volumes.