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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Ayguesvives Canal Bridge, also known as the Ticaille Canal Bridge, is an emblematic work of the Canal du Midi, designed to span the Amadou Creek in Ayguesvives (Haute-Garonne). It illustrates the "new design" aqueduct model inspired by Vauban, adapted by engineers Niquet, Cailus and Minet. Its construction, carried out from 1687 to 1689 by Dominique Gillade, was aimed at preventing siltation of the canal by the Alluvions de l'Amadou, tributary of the Hers-Mort.

The aqueduct, almost intact despite restorations in the 19th century, retains its original appearance. The main changes include replacing the channel-side parapet with a metal guard and work on the coronations of the inlet and outlet wells. These sumps, now buried under alluvials, make it impossible to assess their condition or the exact number of vaults.

Ranked a historic monument in 1998, the structure includes in its protection the aqueduct itself, its entrance and exit wells, as well as the downstream haulage bridge. The site appears on the Napoleonic cadastre of 1808, confirming its ancient integration into the landscape. Its architecture, typical of the Canal du Midi, makes it a major witness of 17th century civil engineering in Occitanie.

Historical sources highlight its functional role in the hydraulic management of the canal, while highlighting its heritage value. The renovations of the 19th century, although notable, did not alter its overall structure, thus preserving the technical heritage of its designers. Today, the canal bridge remains a remarkable example of the innovations inspired by Vauban, applied here by local engineers under the direction of Gillade.

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