Before World War II this was regularly flooded by the overflows in the Meuse dykes.

An overflow (overlaat) is a stretch of dyke that is intentionally left lower than other sections.

At exceptional or seasonal high water levels, it overflows and relieves the pressure on other dykes, thereby preventing these from breaking.

In January 1880 water from the Bokhoven Overflow entered the area with such force that the big bridge before the Vughterpoort (Vught gate) south of 's-Hertogenbosch was flushed away.

Therefore, the railroad would need to be constructed with so many openings that the overflows could flood the land without obstruction.