Papiermühlenschleuse Werden, Historical lock in Werden district, Essen, Germany
Papiermühlenschleuse Werden is a historical lock in Essen with a total length of 63 meters and a lock chamber measuring 40 meters long and 5.6 meters wide. The structure features concrete foundations and iron moorings, along with stone stairs and niches in the southern section that were used for water level measurements.
The lock was built between 1777 and 1778 and allowed coal to be transported from the County of Mark to the Rhine River without transferring cargo. Its reconstruction in 1834 made it the first lock in Germany to use concrete foundations.
The lock takes its name from a paper mill that was established nearby in the early 18th century and shaped the region's industrial growth. The structure reflects how closely water transportation and manufacturing were connected in the Ruhr Valley.
The structure is accessible from outside and visitors can observe the remaining features clearly, especially the stonework in the southern section. The best time to visit is during dry weather to see the construction details without obstruction.
Few visitors realize this lock was a pioneer in the use of concrete in German infrastructure, setting standards for future construction methods. This innovation proved crucial for the structure's durability and made it a model for other projects.
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