Tihvinskaya water system

Tihvinskaya water system was one of the waterways connecting the Volga with the Baltic Sea.

It was first conceived by Peter the Great, but construction started only in 1802. Tihvinskaya water system was built for the passage of middle-sized ships in the early 19th century and functioned until the middle of 20th century. Construction of railways and the movement of ships along the Svir River increased competition, which led to the closure of the Tikhvin system.

Geography

Tihvinskaya water system started at the Rybinsk wharf on the river Volga. The waterway went along the Volga (32 km.), then on Mologa River (175 km.). From Mologa waterway turned aside at Chagodoshcha and gone 179 km. along the rivers Chagodoshcha and Gorun. After 33 km. the river Sominka (32 km.), lake Somin and Volchyna river (10 km.).

Between the upper Volchyna river and Lake Elgino 6 km Tikhvin canal was built. Then the path ran on the lake Elgino and Tikhvinka river (159 km.), then on the river Says. Then the route goes through: 10 miles Says canal (10 km.) and Ladoga Canal. And finally through the Neva River (58 km.). Tihvinskaya system ends at the pier near the Alexander Nevsky Lavra in St. Petersburg. Total length of the waterway was 902 km.

History

In the 18 century building Tikhvinskaia water system was raised several times on the agenda, but each time was delayed due to lack of money in the treasury. In the summer of 1797 because of the severe drought, ships could not pass through Vyshnevolockij system. Again, the question arose about the construction of the Tikhvin system. January 1, 1802 Alexander I approved a draft of the water system General Devolant that would have built 17 locks and 10 of the sluice, and the channel between the lakes and the Swan Krupin.

Current state

Today, Tihvinskaya water system fell into decline. All the gates are destroyed. The water level in Tikhvinka river fell more than 5 meters. Tikhvinka is heavily polluted with household waste. Numerous monuments of architecture, located on the banks of the Tikhvinka and its tributaries are in dilapidated condition.