Lock and weir in Harelbeke, Belgium

In Harelbeke Jan De Nul as part of the Joint Venture “Leieland” realised a new lock with fish pass and renewed quay walls between 2015 and 2019. The Leie was deepened and the bridges on both sides of the lock were renovated.

The largest part of this project consisted of building the new lock and constructing a double weir. The old lock was replaced by a new, larger one of 230 metres long, 12.5 metres wide and 4.7 metres deep. In order to guarantee passage for shipping during the works, a temporary lock was first built next to the old lock. The old lock could then be demolished to build the new lock.

Next to the lock, a double weir with turbines was built. These turbines now provide the necessary electricity to operate the lock in an energy-efficient manner.

Seine-Scheldt Flanders

This lock is part of the larger Seine-Scheldt project, an inland navigation project of the Flemish Waterway Authority, supported by the European Union. With this project, Flanders wants to offer a fully-fledged alternative to land-based goods transport. An improved inland navigation with the goal of less traffic congestion, more safety and a cleaner environment.