The IWT platform, through its Infrastructure Committee, participates twice a year in the so-called “Chômage” consultation. This consultation reviews the maintenance schedules for the locks in the Grand Canal d’Alsace and it is organised by VNF in cooperation with WSV Oberrhein. In addition to the maintenance schedule, which is discussed annually for the small and large locks, the consultation also reviews the course of previous closures.

Below, we inform you about the maintenance and repair work planned for 2026 to ensure the reliable operation of the locks on the Upper Rhine. The provisional schedule for taking the locks out of service is included in the appendix.

In 2026, it will be the turn of the large lock chambers. As previously indicated, the lock chambers are being tackled alternately each year.

  • The western lock chamber at Kembs will undergo the necessary 12-yearly maintenance of the lower gate. This will involve replacing the fixed parts of the four drainage valves and maintaining the movement mechanisms of the lower gate.
  • In Ottmarsheim, maintenance will be carried out on the upper and lower gates, which takes place once every 24 years, and the lower gate will also be repainted.
  • In the large chamber of the Vogelgrun lock, work will be carried out on the foundation of the quay wall of the downstream guide structure on the left bank.
  • In the large chamber of the Marckolsheim lock, the guide rails of the lower gate will be completely replaced and the upper gate will be adjusted.
  • In the east chamber of the Gambsheim lock, renovation of the lower and upper gates (with dismantling of the gates) will take place, as well as repair of the sealing of the chambers and culverts, in addition to general maintenance.

The above overview does not include the Iffezheim lock, the only lock in the Grand Canal d’Alsace under German management.

  • The left chamber of the Iffezheim lock will undergo maintenance from March 13, 2026, to May 8, 2026. The right chamber will undergo maintenance from September 15, 2026, to October 9, 2026.

Attached is the overall schedule for all locks on the Grand Canal d’Alsace.