Inclined plane replaces canal locks

The inclined plane of Saint-Louis-Arzviller is a unique engineering structure that replaces seventeen locks on the Marne-Rhine canal, allowing boats to overcome a height difference of 44.55 meters in just 4 minutes.

History of the inclined plane

The inclined plane was put into service on January 27, 1969, after an international competition launched in 1962 by Robert Vadot, the general engineer of Bridges and Highways.

How the inclined plane works

The structure uses a mobile steel boat on a 41% slope, guided by a longitudinal beam, to move barges vertically. This system allows for a more efficient and faster way to navigate the canal’s elevation changes.

Capacity and usage changes

Originally designed to handle up to 39 barges per day, the inclined plane was intended to have two identical boats to manage increased traffic. However, declining inland waterway freight transport made this unnecessary.

Current use and visitor numbers

Today, the inclined plane is primarily used for leisure activities, attracting more than 75,000 visitors and over 8,500 boats annually. This shift reflects the changing role of the canal from commercial to recreational use.

Impact on river traffic

Before the inclined plane was built, crossing the Teigelbach valley required passing through seventeen locks over about 4 kilometers, a process that posed logistical challenges for boatmen. The inclined plane significantly reduced the time needed for this section, altering river traffic dynamics between Strasbourg and Paris.

Legacy and significance

More than fifty years after its commissioning, the inclined plane remains a unique engineering feat in Europe. Its significance was highlighted during its fiftieth anniversary in 2019, emphasizing its historical and technical importance.