After intensive preliminary work, the Zweckverband Region Finowkanal will now initially renovate the first six of the twelve historic locks on the Finow Canal and operate and maintain them permanently. The starting signal for this important water tourism project in Brandenburg will be given when construction begins in the first quarter of 2023 on the first three locks in Ruhlsdorf, Leesenbrück, Grafenbrück and the expansion of the remote monitoring of the control centre in Zerpenschleuse.
However, the construction measures are also accompanied by the fact that the locks in question cannot be navigated during the construction period. You will find more information on this below.
Frequently asked questions about lock renovation
When will the construction work on the locks begin?
Construction work on the Ruhlsdorf, Leesenbrück and Grafenbrück locks will start on 16.01.2023. From then on, the construction sites will be set up, access roads will be constructed and subsequently the construction work on the locks will begin. We will inform you in good time about the start of construction work at the following locks.
Will all the locks be built at the same time?
The construction measures for the locks of the Finow Canal are divided into implementation packages. The first three locks (Ruhlsdorf, Leesenbrück, Grafenbrück) will be built in parallel. One year later, construction work will begin on the next three locks (Schöpfurt, Heegermühle, Wolfswinkel). For the eastern locks, subsoil and material investigations are currently being prepared as a prerequisite for the planning of basic maintenance measures.
What disruptions will there be for car drivers, pedestrians and cyclists during the construction period?
We have made every effort to keep the restrictions for residents and road users as low as possible. Nevertheless, there will be traffic disruptions in some places during the construction work. Restrictions on car, pedestrian and cycle traffic will affect all three locks during the construction period.
- Ruhlsdorf lock
- Restrictions on the L71 for car drivers and temporary diversions of the cycle path onto the L71.
- Leesenbrück lock
- The existing crossing over the lock area cannot be used by pedestrians and cyclists during the construction period. The "Treidelweg" footpath and cycle path south of the lock is closed in the construction area and is diverted via the village of Marienwerder.
- Grafenbrück lock
- The road bridge with the overpass of the road "Grafenbrücker Weg" is closed for cars as well as pedestrians and cyclists during the construction period. The diversion is via the Krugbrücke in Marienwerder.
What other adverse effects are to be expected for those living near the locks during the construction period and what protective measures will be taken?
During the construction period, vibration-intensive and noise-intensive work will be carried out, which may affect the residents at the individual lock locations. This work will be documented and monitored with noise and vibration monitoring. Affected residents will be informed and advised in advance by our immission control officer.
In this way, we want to ensure that avoidable disturbances are prevented and unavoidable disturbances are kept to a minimum during construction.
Is the Finow Canal completely closed during the construction work?
No, the Finow Canal is not completely closed. The locks that are being built are closed for about 18 months. It is therefore not possible to navigate the entire canal with motor boats. Muscle-powered boats can be used up to the respective construction sites' closed areas. As things stand at present, it is not possible to transfer canoes etc. at the construction sites. It is intended to create entry and exit possibilities by the beginning of the 2023 season.
What will the locks look like after the construction work?
The new locks will meet the technical requirements for hydraulic structures and are designed with a service life of at least 80 years. Our goal is to build lock facilities that are safe for traffic but also incorporate the historical design of the predecessor structures. As you can see from the illustration, the locks are built in the original dimensions and designed according to the historical model. Historical structural elements will be integrated into the new lock facilities as far as possible. An essential modernisation of the operation is the future use of the new locks by means of self-operating control (automation). In addition, manual operation according to the historical model with mechanical drives is also possible as an option.
