We have received announcement about an unforeseen closure of the Gabčíkovo lock early next week.
According to the information, there will be two days of the locks’ closure:
– on the 7th of June 2021 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
– on the 9th of June 2021 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closure concerns both locks, hence the navigation will be fully suspended in these dates. Unfortunately, the works originally scheduled for one day need to be carried out in two more days due to unexpected circumstances – higher volume of sediments due obsolete construction under the water level.
The Transport Authority will inform all stakeholders via standard information channels about the navigation measure. The right lock chamber will be put into operation in August 2021 and subsequently the works on the left lock chamber will start.
Next dates of the Gabčíkovo locks’ closure (concerning both locks) are planned in:
- September (or August) 2021 – the closure will last 16 hours,
- September (or August) 2021 – the closure will last 5 hours,
- November (or October) 2021 – the closure will last 5 hours.
These closures were originally planned for next year, however it was essential to reschedule the works and perform them already this year.
The works will be similar to those conducted during a recent closure in May and June. They require a closure of both locks due to safety measures – first of all, the safety of scuba divers who will carry out the works.
In meetings with the Slovakian authorities, we expressed our sincere concerns regarding the navigation unpredictability as a result of this situation.
We urged the authorities to do everything to prevent such situations, as much as possible, in the future.
Theresia Hacksteiner
IWT Platform
