Herbettes Aqueduct, Navigable aqueduct in Toulouse, France
The Herbettes Aqueduct is a metal trough structure that carries the Canal du Midi over a four-lane highway and spans approximately 74 meters. The construction allows boats to travel under normal conditions while vehicles pass beneath the structure at the same time.
The aqueduct was built in 1983 to connect the city's canal infrastructure with modern traffic needs. This solution emerged when the highway was being constructed and a new way was needed to carry the canal without interruption.
The structure shows how people have woven water transport and road traffic together in the city. The metal construction spanning the highway is an unexpected sight for motorists, reflecting local ingenuity in solving practical challenges.
The structure is best viewed from the roadside or the canal itself, but offers limited areas to linger. Visitors traveling by boat can experience it directly, while motorists will notice it when driving beneath the aqueduct.
The underside of the structure features colorful painted sections that transform the industrial form into a vibrant landmark for motorists passing beneath. This artistic element turns an otherwise purely technical solution into something surprising for those using the highway.
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