Weir and lock complex Grave - Nederasselt

Between Nederasselt and Grave lies the impressive weir and lock complex of Grave, completed in 1929. It was one of the major water management projects that turned the Meuse from an unpredictable river into a more navigable waterway. The weir maintains the upstream water level, allowing ships to pass reliably. During high water, the gates are opened to let the water flow freely. Next to the weir is the lock, which allows ships to pass the difference in water level between upstream and downstream. Thanks to this complex, the Meuse became safer and more economically important. But the higher water level also made additional works necessary, such as the Van Sasse pumping station to drain the Raam.

Crossing the complex is the bridge that has officially been called the John S. Thompson Bridge since 2004. During Operation Market Garden in September 1944, this bridge near Grave was a strategic link. American paratroopers led by Lieutenant John S. Thompson captured the bridge from German forces on 17 September, almost undamaged. This secured a crucial crossing over the Meuse for the Allied advance toward Nijmegen and Arnhem.

At the foot of the bridge on the Grave side, with a view of the Van Sasse pumping station, stands a monument that commemorates this event.

Photo 2 and 3: ©Beleef Historisch Grave