Pont-canal de la Tranchasse, Navigable aqueduct in Colombiers, France
The Pont-canal de la Tranchasse is a navigable aqueduct spanning the Cher River with eight arches and standing about 7 meters high. This structure extends 96 meters in length and allowed barges to cross the river while traveling in opposite directions at the same time.
This aqueduct was built between 1829 and 1834 under engineer Charles Vauvilliers for the Canal de Berry waterway project. The structure was a technical solution designed to safely guide boats over the obstacle of the river.
The aqueduct and lockkeeper's house show how water routes connected industrial areas across central France in the 1800s. Today, visitors can understand how essential this route was for moving goods between manufacturing centers.
A dirt path beside the former lockkeeper's house leads to a sandy area along the Cher River with a good view of the entire structure. The location is freely accessible and offers a natural vantage point to observe the aqueduct from close range.
The aqueduct was widened in 1872 to double its water flow, allowing barges to navigate in both directions at the same time. This modification shows how engineers of that era enhanced existing structures to accommodate increased boat traffic.
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