The most prominent water bridges in the world
Water bridges - this bridge structures that support water channels, by which the navigation of relatively small vessels.They are built on rivers, valleys, rivers, railroads or highways. suggest you the three most prominent water bridge in the world, which still then exist and function.
Opened in October 2003 as part of the waterway Magdeburg, it connects the Elbe-Havel Canal to the Mittelland Canal, crossing the river Elbe on top.
Magdeburg Water Bridge (Magdeburg Water Bridge) The most popular and spectacular water bridge located in Magdeburg, Germany. It is the longest navigable aqueduct in the world, with a length of 918 meters.
The Elbe-Havel and Mittelland before Maderburg met near the city, but on the opposite bank of the Elbe, the water level is lower than in the two channels. Therefore, the ship, swim from one channel to the other, had to make a 12-kilometer loop and use gateways and boat lifts.And when the level of water in the river for loaded barges and this option is not possible.
Now water bridge connects Berlin river port with numerous ports on the Rhine River.
The reunification of Germany and the formation of the basic services of water transport routes has made the construction of a water bridge priority. Work began in 1997. As a result, construction took six years and 500 million euros.
Aqueduct Pontkisillte (Pontcysyllte Aqueduct) at Aqueduct Pontkisillte Vrekskheme, UK, was built in 1795-1805, respectively, to "transfer" Ellesmere canal through the valley of the River Dee and connect Denbigshira coal mines to the national system of channels in the Industrial Revolution.
Aqueduct has become one of the most significant international achievements of the time. For over 200 years it is the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. In 2009, the aqueduct Pontkisilte was listed as a World Heritage Site.
Aqueduct consists of a cast iron trough supported at a height of 38 meters above the river iron arches, resting on 19 hollow stone columns.
The length of the aqueduct is 307 meters, width - 3.4 meters, depth - 1.6 meters. It is part of an 18-kilometer aqueduct system.
Use in the construction of the aqueduct of iron and steel allowed to make light and heavy arches, creating the effect of both monumental and elegant.
The channel has a significant impact on the economic welfare of the region during the first half of the 19th century, contributing to the rapid development of coal mining, metal processing, development of limestone quarries and lime production. Slate career in the mountains of Wales and agriculture also benefits from the channel.
Today the canal is no longer transporting coal and lime, and is a popular tourist destination.
Rotary aqueduct at Barton (Barton Swing Aqueduct) This rotary aqueduct - mobile water bridge, located in Barton, United Kingdom, on the river Irvell. He "carries" the channel through Bridgewater Manchester Ship Canal.
Since 1954, the channel is operated and maintained in a condition suitable for navigation, British Waterway.
Swivel mechanism will allow more vessels to sail on Manchester Ship Canal, and a small narrow boat - cross it to the top. When a large vessel to pass through the channel iron bridge 100 meters long and weighing 1450 tons is rotated 90 degrees.
Gateways at both ends of the trough bridge hold about 800 tons of water. Other gateways on the banks of the canal, keep water in the surrounding areas of the bridge. A swivel bridge, but intended for traffic, is located here, just upstream.
Earlier, in place of the water bridge was the usual stationary stone aqueduct, which did not allow to go to new vessels of large dimensions.Therefore, the construction of the bridge turning a necessity.
This aqueduct is the first and only turning aqueduct in the world. He is considered a masterpiece of Victorian building art. Opened in 1894, the bridge is still regularly used for its intended purpose.
Rotary aqueduct (left) in the closed position is the intersection of channels Bridgewater and Manchester Ship. Ground rotary bridge - right.
