Brzeg Dolny Weir

The Brzeg Dolny barrage, constructed in 1959, is a crucial element of the hydrotechnical infrastructure on the Oder River, closing a catchment area of approximately 26,381 km². Its main structures include a five-span sluice-gate weir with vertical lift gates and ice flaps, a towage lock, the "Wały" hydroelectric power plant, and a fish pass. The weir, with a single span clearance of 23 m and a damming height of 8.5 m, is equipped with mechanical sluice gates and ice flaps, making it a vital component for water flow regulation and damming. The hydroelectric power plant, with four Kaplan turbine units, achieves a capacity of 9.72 MW at a flow rate of 240 m³/s, blending industrial architecture with functionality. The fish pass and a well-designed dividing wall highlight the importance of environmental conservation. After several months of renovations, the lock now ensures continuous navigation on the Oder, accommodating vessels such as pushed convoys. It is worth noting the historical context of the barrage's construction: despite the lock's closure in 2014, it was reopened in 2015, underscoring its ongoing significance for water transport. In 1997, during a catastrophic flood, the barrage's discharge capacity was tested under a record flow of 3,200 m³/s, an interesting fact demonstrating its resilience to extreme hydrological conditions. Due to its importance class, the structure plays a key role not only in water management but also in shaping the landscape of the Oder.