Until the 20th Century, waterways were perhaps the most important traffic arteries in the Netherlands. Travelling by water was easier and faster than on the often badly maintained roads. Even now, a great deal of commercial traffic still goes by water.
In Vianen, investments in good water connections were gradually made over the centuries. For example, in the early 19th Century, a variety of canals were excavated to promote trade. To allow a higher number of bigger ships to pass through, the Zederik Canal was widened to the current Merwede Canal. With the widening of this canal, the Wilhelmina Lock dating from 1824 was also replaced. The New or Large Lock was built between 1883 and 1886.
The Large Lock complex consi…
Until the 20th Century, waterways were perhaps the most important traffic arteries in the Netherlands. Travelling by water was easier and faster than on the often badly maintained roads. Even now, a great deal of commercial traffic still goes by water.
In Vianen, investments in good water connections were gradually made over the centuries. For example, in the early 19th Century, a variety of canals were excavated to promote trade. To allow a higher number of bigger ships to pass through, the Zederik Canal was widened to the current Merwede Canal. With the widening of this canal, the Wilhelmina Lock dating from 1824 was also replaced. The New or Large Lock was built between 1883 and 1886.
The Large Lock complex consisted of a linked lock with 4 pointed doors, including several storm doors, which connected the Merwede Canal to the outer harbour on the Lek. At the lock on the lock island, there are several houses, including the former official lodgings of the lock-keepers. To the north side of the complex, there is a double drawbridge and a warehouse. The southern drawbridge was completely destroyed during World War II and replaced afterwards.
In 2019, around 184 new sustainable homes were built on the lock island. The houses are designed to form a connection between the 3 important pillars of Vianen: history, greenery and water.
Further reading: Buitenlandpoort Memorial, Hagestein dam complex, Jan Blanken funerary monument, Vianen town centre, The Lekbridge.
