#1
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.
#2
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.
