Ouvrages du Libron

The problem was originally solved by the building of a pontoon aqueduct known as the Libron Raft which utilised a flush-decked barge to protect the canal channel in times of flooding.

[3] The Libron can be either a dry bed, or a tranquil stream, or a torrent caused by melting snow and heavy rains.

The river bed of the Libron was modified so that the stream would split into two paths as it approached the Canal du Midi.

The paths crossed the canal through the Ouvrages du Libron, consisting of six "gates" on each side of a "protected area" 30.5 metres (100 ft) in length.

The bed of the Libron was set close to the normal level of the surface of the Canal du Midi at the crossing.