The difference in water level between Lock 1 and Crèvecoeur, in theory amounted to only 40 cm.

Part of this was probably the quay of the River Aa where it entered the city to join the Binnendieze as Doode Stroom.

The width at the doors was 6,8 m. Maximum size of ships that could use the lock was 90.0 m long, 6.7 m wide, and 2.1 m deep.

The canal had been designed for ships of a maximum draught of somewhat less than 2 m. Over time, it had been upgraded to CEMT-Class II.

The Dutch government then wanted to upgrade it further to CEMT-Class IV, but this would have incurred high cost.

It would also not address the congestion problems caused by the combination of dramatically increased road traffic and regularly opened bridges in the city center.

Commercial navigation was forbidden, and the opening of the bridges and Sluis 0 in 's-Hertogenbosch city was severely limited.

Therefore, a plan was made for a smaller lock that could be operated faster, allowing higher recreational use.