Navigatable bridges are somewhat unique in the world as these structures with waterway canals are difficult to construct due to the presence of water and design constraints. Plus the architectural vibes needed to make them a famous structure are hard to achieve. So when we try to make a list of architectural wonders created in the form of waterways, we thought we would be hard pushed to find good ones. But, imagine our surprise when we found out so many good ones that we actually had to choose!
Check out some of these amazing engineering marvels from around the European continent:
Lune Aqueduct, UK
This aqueduct or water supply was completed in 1797 by the British government at thrice times the anticipated cost. It is located on the River Lune in the city of Lancaster. The total length is 664 feet, and the height is 61 feet.
The Aqueduct Langdeel, Netherlands
It is located above the N31 highway near the city of Leeuwarden and carries water channel with the same name. It is 9 feet deep, 82 feet wide and 360 feet.
Aqueduct Veluwemeer, Netherlands
A very similar waterway sees the ships going overhead of N302 near Harderwijk. It connects the mainland via ship to Flevoland, which is the largest artificial island in the world. It is 25 meters long, 19 meters wide and 3 meters deep. It allows small boats to pass through and has footpaths on either side that give a great view of the surrounding. It was completed in 2002 and 28000 vehicles use it every day.
Avon Aqueduct, UK
An exquisite and long waterway, it is the largest of its kind in Scotland and second-largest in all of United Kingdom. Its total length is 810 feet, height 86 feet and a width of 50 feet.
Aqueduct Ringvaart Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands
Ringvaar or ring canal is a circular duct that envelops the muncipality of Haarlemmermeer. It was built in 1961, so it is the oldest of its kind in Netherlands.
Edstone Aqueduct, UK
It holds the title of being the longest Aqueduct in England with a length of more than 145 meters. It is one of three beautiful water bridges in a 4-mile distance, and it is, of course, the longest one of all. It is located on Stratford-upon-Avon canal in Warwickshire. It crosses a minor road and the famous trackbed of the previous Alcester Railway.
Magdeburg Water Bridge, Germany
It is the longest navigatable waterway in the world with an astonishing length of 918 meters in all. 690 meters of it lies over the land, and the rest is over water. It has a width of 34 meters and depth of 4.25 meters. It was opened in 2003, and it connects the Elbe-havel.
Longdon Aqueduct, Uk
It is the world’s first cast-iron navigating waterway as it was opened in 1797. It was built by famous engineer Thomas Telford and has a length of 57 meters.
Barton Swing Aqueduct, UK
It is the only swinging water bridge in the world. It was built in 1894 to replace to previous Barton Aqueduct that connects the Bridgewater canal to Manchester Ship Canal. It allows large vessels to cross underneath the bridge and smaller ones to pass from the top. It is truly a unique design not found anywhere else.
Naviduct Krabbersgat, Netherlands
A naviduct is a waterway with a lock. It Was constructed in a specially designed polder with a length of 500 m and width of 160 m. Its embankment is raised 6 meters from the ground too. Charming bridge to look at! Worth traveling, huh?.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wales, UK
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct connects the Llangollen canal to the valley of river Dee in Wrexham county in Wales. It was completed in 1805, and it is the longest and highest waterway in all of Britain. It is a beautiful marvel of vintage engineering by the British sappers. It is classified as an architectural heritage site and a national asset as well. It was constructed from cast iron and measures 1,000 feet long, 11 feet wide and 5.5 feet deep. It is 126 feet above the river with supported pillar, each measuring 53 feet in width.
Briare Aqueduct, France
It is the second largest steel Aqueduct in the world after Magdeburg water bridge. It held the title of longest one for many years before the latter was built. It is 662 meters long, 6 meters in width and 2.2 meters deep.
Pont du Sart Aqueduct, Belgium
Isn’t it a truly remarkable feat of engineering? It carries the Centrum canal water over Crossroads N55 and N35 near the town of Houdeng-Goegnies. It has a length of 1644 feet, width 150 feet and is supported by columns, each measuring around 10 feet in diameter!
Almond Aqueduct, UK
It is a beautiful water bridge in Scotland, West of Ratho. It measures 420 feet in length and 76 feet in width. It is above the River Almond carrying Union canal from the capital Edinburg to West Lothian.
How would I love to take a romantic cruise around one of them with my bae!