After the flood of 1953, the Delta Commission was inaugurated to advise implementing the DeltaPlan. While the main goal of the DeltaPlan was to increase the safety of those areas affected by the flood, the De Nieuwe Waterweg and the Western Schelde seaways had to remain operable because of the economic importance of the Rotterdam and Antwerp ports.

Auxiliary dams were first built in the Zandkreek, the Krammer, the Grevelingen, and the Volkerak. These 'compartment dams' divided large areas of water into compartments. The Delta Law was passed in 1959 to support the construction of the DeltaWorks.

Goals of the Delta Commission:

- Drain the areas that flood regularly during high water levels and protect them from water

- Protect the land from getting brackish

- Close the Hollandse Ijssel with a movable storm barrier to protect Rotterdam and its population

- Close the sea arms and decrease the shoreline