Reconstruction of the Obernau lock

BASIC PROJECT DATA

Project ID: PA1A158
Project website (German): Reconstruction of the Obernau Lock

NEED AND ADDED VALUE FOR THE DANUBE REGION STRATEGY

The lock Obernau was built between 1926 and 1930 and thus has reached its theoretical service lifetime of 80 years. The technical construction shows damages at the lock, the weir and the pier and the riverside lock chamber wall is leaking. As early as 1997 an analysis of the structures attested the need for major rehabilitation. In order to ensure the safety of navigation and the functionality of the lock in the coming years, works have to be conducted.

A first study examined the possibility of reconstructing the existing lock while ensuring normal shipping operations. This variant was discarded after extensive analyses.
It is not possible to bypass the lock, which is why the planning procedure was started to build a replacement construction.

OBJECTIVE(S) OF THE PROJECT

Building of the replacement construction.

The new lock will be built 160m downstream of the existing weir and lock. The lock chamber will have the same dimensions in lenght as the old lock (300m), while the width will be enhanced by 50cm to 12.5m.

CONDUCTED AND PLANNED PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The project will be implemented in 7 building phases.

2017 – 2019: planning approval procedure
2020 – 2022: preparation of construction works
2022 – 2030: Phase 1 – construction of the new barrage
2030: operation of the new barrage
starting 2035: Phase 2: partial deconstruction of the old lock (approx. 2 years)