Five canal locks each have a lift of 10 metres (33 ft), and these are located in Genk, Diepenbeek, Hasselt, Kwaadmechelen, and Olen, Belgium.

The Albert Canal was used for the first time in 1940 but, because of World War II and the German occupation, intensive use only began later, in 1946.

[citation needed] Though in service for some weeks, the Veldwezelt Bridge near Maastricht, Belgium was reopened ceremoniously on 7 February 1945 by Communications Zone-ETO commanding general Lt. Gen. John C. H. Lee and his subordinate, Brig.

In 2002, the canal carried a record 43 million tons of goods of various kinds, amounting to more than half the Belgian waterway total.

[1] The canal is also a popular leisure and cycling destination, with well paved service roads on both sides traversing picturesque farm land, particularly around Smeermaas, Lanaken and Maasmechelen.