Why is a new lock being built?
Due to the structural condition of the existing lock, it is not technically possible to repair it. A new replacement is therefore required. It will be built in the tailwater, north of the existing lock. The construction costs are estimated at around 500 million euros gross. With a construction period of seven years, additional contractual adjustments to wage and material costs have been agreed. More and up-to-date information is available on the Internet at www.schleuse-kriegenbrunn.wsv.
Delivery of pipes in January 2026 (Photo: Water Management Office)
News on the construction project
On May 19, 2026, the Aschaffenburg Waterways Construction Office awarded the contract for the new construction. The central construction work for the new lock will start at the beginning of 2027.
The Erlangen lock
It is one of 16 locks on the Main-Danube Canal. The Main-Danube Canal locks overcome a total height difference of 243 meters. They connect the Main near Bamberg with the Danube near Kehlheim, creating a 3,500-kilometer European waterway between Rotterdam and Constanza. In addition, the canal transports water from the water-rich Danube catchment area to the water-poor Regnitz Main region.
Over 4 million tons of goods are shipped via this waterway every year, including many special transports such as generators. In addition, the use of the Main-Danube Canal by river cruise ships has developed into an important regional economic factor. Against this background, the new construction of the Erlangen lock is of particular importance.
Construction sites & closures
We build and renovate for you. All current construction sites and road closures in the city can be found here.
Construction sites & closures
We build and renovate for you. All current construction sites and road closures in the city can be found here.