Ouvrages du Libron Works in Vias on the Canal Du Midi

PK (Point Kilométrique): 225.000

Year of Construction: 1858

Bike path side: south side

Crossing this structure is not too easy with a bicycle.  There are two narrow passages whose only function it seems is to frustrate cyclists.  One will have to take off panniers and unhook trailers here twice (!) to pass this structure.  This often creates a bottleneck here with cyclists waiting in line to pass the two narrow gates.  See pictures below.

The Canal Du Midi at this point is approximately 2.5 meters above sea level.  The Libron is a creek that is shallow and tranquil most of the year and it too is close to sea level.  However, during a rain storm this little creek can become a monster of a river!   Normally one would use an aqueduct to make the canal cross a creek.  But since both the canal and the creek are approximately at sea level, this is not possible here.

Instead a structure was build that would allow the creek to pass either in front or behind a boat.  The engineer for this project was Urbain Maguès from Toulouse.

1. Boat approaches the Libron Works.  The waters of the creek are diverted to the right side of the structure.  The left side of the structure is closed to the creek waters, but open to the canal waters.  The boat can enter the works now.

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2.  The boat has entered the works and parks itself in the middle.  The creek waters are now going to be diverted to the left side of the structure.

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3.  The right side of the structure is opened up to the canal waters, and the boat can continue on its journey.

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Please note that this structure is relatively new.  It was put into service in 1858, at approximately the same time as the Orb River aqueduct in Beziers.  Before 1858 the Canal Du Midi would be closed at this point during heavy rains.  Floating walls would be put into place perpendicular to the canal to allow the Libron waters to cross the canal.  These walls were needed because there was a lot of sand and debris in the Libron waters.  And this sand and debris would otherwise quickly fill up the Canal Du Midi.

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