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The construction of the inclined plane of Ronquières (located on the canal from Brussels to Charleroi) started in March 1962 was due to open to shipping in 1968. By enabling 1350 tonne barges to pass through, this structure enabled 14 old locks to be superseded. The inclined plane at Ronquières consists of two concrete channels 1432 meters long, arranged side by side, with a useful width of 2 x 15 m. Each channel is equipped with a cage and a counterweight, linked together by 8 steel cables of 55 mm in diameter. The two cages function independently, and can each transport simultaneously one 1350 tonne barge, or several barges of lower tonnage. Overall characteristics : Total length: 1800 m including the canal bridge . Length of slope: 1432 m . Angle of slope: 5% . Difference in level: 67.73 m . Number of cages: 2 . Lockage: 2 barges simultaneously, each weighing 1350 t . Duration of a transverse movement ± 22 minutes. Total time to pass through the structure: ± 50 minutes . Ronquières - Province of Hainaut - Wallonia - Belgium