The structure consists of 17 sluices, several kilometres of dam and a shipping lock, and formed the sixth project of the Delta Works.

The height of the dam crest is 18.5m above Normaal Amsterdams Peil (NAP), and 17.3m above the water level in the Haringvliet.

On the seaward side of the sluice complex, there is a 7m deep step to induce wave breaking against a concrete wall, thus reducing the strain on the gates by around 50%.

The subsoil consists of clay and soft sandy layers to depths ranging from 20 to 30 metres below NAP.

The change has also resulted in a minor return of the tides in areas like Tiengemeten and the Biesbosch, both of which are important nature reserves.