Traffic jams

Congestion routes are sections in flowing waters where, due to human uses (mainly hydropower use, but also water discharge for other purposes and hollow stabilisation measures of protective water construction), the water level is increased compared to the natural state and thus the flow velocity is reduced. This is achieved by transverse structures (cross elements such as weirs, ramps, dams). In traffic jams, due to the reduced flow velocity, the composition of the bottom substrate and thus its colonisation by soil-bound aquatic organisms and the fish species composition change.
Congestion routes, depending on their length and depth, have more or less negative effects on the ecological status of the flowing water.
The data level corresponds to the National Water Management Plan (NGP) 2015 and will be updated after the publication of the NGP 2021.