Ninth and final lock (unused), of the Neuf Ecluses at Fonseranes, Beziers

midicanal.org	Ninth and final lock (unused)

Ninth and final lock of the Neuf Ecluses at Fonseranes, Beziers

This and the eighth lock were rendered redundant with the construction of the Pont-Canal. The changes were made due to problems of the crossing of the river Orb, barges used to pass via this lock onto the river Orb, then travel downstream about two hundred meters and re-enter the canal system on the other side of the river. Problems of water shortages, silting and floods finally led to the construction of the new route that carried the canal safely over the river Orb.

In the background of this photo you can see the barrage that has been constructed to carry the “ring-road”, thereby effectively prohibiting any further use of this route of the Midi Canal.