The Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany deserves a special mention. Opened in
October 2003 and part of the Magdeburg crossing of waterways, it
connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittellandkanal, crossing over the
Elbe River. With a total length of 3,012 feet or 918 meters, it’s the longest navigable aqueduct in the
world.
The Elbe–Havel Canal and Mittelland Canal canals had previously met
near Magdeburg but on opposite sides of the Elbe, which was at a
significantly lower elevation than the two canals. Ships moving between
the two had to make a 12-kilometre detour, descending from the
Mittelland Canal through the Rothensee boat lift into the Elbe, then
sailing downstream on the river, before ascending to the Elbe-Havel
Canal through Niegripp lock. Low water levels in the Elbe often
prevented fully laden canal barges from making this crossing, requiring
time-consuming off-loading of cargo.
The reunification of
Germany and establishment of major water transport routes made the Water
Bridge a priority again. Work started in 1997, with construction taking
six years and costing €500 million. The water bridge now connects
Berlin’s inland harbour network with the ports along the Rhine river.
More visuals here in the VIDEO below. Check out.
