LIFE ON THE CANALS

Canal des deux mers :
canal banks in Mide-Pyrenees

The call for tenders was published in mid-January 2000 for the experimental bank consolidation works on the Canal du Midi and the Canal latéral à la Garonne (fiche 5). The Midi-Pyrenees Council, aware that canal banks were traditionally repaired using sheet piling - an un-aesthetic solution - was concerned to identify economic solutions, more natural and less aggressive, respecting the heritage value of the canal's infrastructure. Several approaches will be tested on the four selected sites, to analyse the methods from the two standpoints of efficiency and economy. The population will be informed as to the objectives and the techniques adopted by signs to be put up at each site. The works are expected to start late March or early April.

The Midi-Pyrenees Council was concerned to identify natural and sustainable solutions.