Dala canal

During the 18th century the first plans for a canal between Lake Siljan, Dalälven and Strömsholms canal were discussed. This canal would have been an important route for export of the vast natural resources in Dalecarlia, and in more recent times to make it possible for the local people to find incomes.
But none of these plans were realized.

In the 1960ies new plans emerged. Pleasure boat owners around Lake Siljan started to discuss a fairway for pleasure boats the 350 kilometers from the lake all the way to the sea. The dedicated Hans Kers surveyed The Dala river from Siljan to the sea and found that this would be a very interestering canal, both for pleasure boats and for commercial shipping!
In 1968 Dala Canal Society was founded and soon they wrote a petition for a complete survey of a canal.

During the 1990ies the Swedish government gave the Maritime Administration authority to start investigations for this canal. A pre-report was delivered in Janauri 1998. It showed that a canal would be somewhat cheaper then corresponding developement of roads and railroads. The cost for a new canal was estimated to about 11 or 12 miljarder SEK.

Two alternative routes were investigated. One directly to the sea following the Dala river, and the other from Dala river to lake Mälaren. The alternative to follow Dala river all the way would be slightly cheaper.

Since this study was published no decisions have been taken.

Sacled-down project on it's way

It has been extremely hard to convince government and counties to invest the huge sum of money needed for a new commercial canal all the way. So during the last few years the enthusiasts in the area have tried to find a smaller type of project that would be possible to finance.
In 1993 a couple of students tried to find a canal-project that could be financed by the touristtrade. And this showed new possibilities.
The canal-project was scaled down and aimed at making it possible for small sightseeing-boats and pleasure-boats to go from Siljan to Lake Runn, down Dala river and then to Strömsholms canal. The boats would use the water where possible and at severe obstacles the boats would be lifted ashore and trailed pass.
After a lot of investigations the project got 18 million SEK from EU and local athourities for the nessecary planning.

The plans are that the boats will be trailed at two places, all in all 57 kilometers. Three bridges must be made posssible to open for passing boats. A short new canal with locks will be built at Gråda.

The cost for this project is estimated to 50 million SEK. And the investigations show that this canal will be able to finance the maintenance.
The pre-studies have continued through 2005 and 2006 and along these pre-studies many small projects along the route has been built too. Such as new and refreshed guestharbours.

Read more about it at Fairway Dalarnas website. Unfortunately only in Swedeish.

Source: Fairway Dalarnas website.
Do send comments or further information to Bosse Arnholm!

 

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