What is "sloedam"

The Sloedam is an old dam, connecting the Dutch islands Zuid-Beveland and Walcheren near the town of Arnemuiden. Before this dam was constructed, these islands were separated by a stretch of water called the Sloe. The Sloedam was constructed in 1871 during the laying of the railway between the towns of Vlissingen and Roosendaal, the Zeeuwse Lijn. After World War II, the areas to the south were poldered. Ever since the Veerse Gatdam and the Oosterscheldedam were created, the dam does not function as a primary defense against the sea.