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Completion in sight!

The trip-boat Décidée will soon be able to escape the confinement of the summit level, and use the newly-restored locks

The European project for restoration of the Roubaix and Espierre Canals is now entering its final phase. Since 2005, the partners have been pursuing their works with determination, in order to respect the deadline imposed by EU funding constraints. In the field a lot has been achieved, and the canal has already changed its physical appearance. But a whole series of operations remain to be completed before the official reopening of the waterway from the Deûle to the Scheldt. In France, a vital question – who will actually manage the canal? – is currently the subject of an expert appraisal, and will be debated by the partners over the coming months.

Despite the contingencies, the setbacks, the chronic vandalism which have regularly affected this enormously challenging project, the partners have been unflinching in their commitment and tenacity. However, as a safety measure, they felt obliged to ask the European Commission for a postponement of the project completion date by six months.

The technical work programme is now building up to its final phase, with intense activity throughout the length of the canal. From now on, follow the progress of works in real time, thanks to our news flashes at fortnightly intervals: each flash, starting with n° 5 on 3rd January, will be accompanied by a focus on a particular subject. Don’t hesitate to forward the news to your friends or colleagues, and please visit our site regularly.

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Happy Christmas!

To all our readers and colleagues, our very best wishes for this festive season!
The New Year will start with our next newsletter, on 3rd January 2008, which will focus on the filter basins, essential to the canal's water supply.