Boterdiep
{{Short description|Canal in Groningen}}
{{Infobox river
| name = Boterdiep
| other_name =
| native_name =
| image = File:Zuidwolde - Boterdiep (2).jpg
| image_caption = Boterdiep at Zuidwolde
| source1_location = {{ill|Van Starkenborghkanaal|nl}}
| source1_coordinates = {{Coord|53.23863|6.56834|display=inline}}
| mouth = Uithuizen
| mouth_coordinates = {{Coord|53.40592|6.67658|display=inline, title}}
| progression =
| pushpin_map = Netherlands Groningen
| subdivision_type1 = Country
| subdivision_name1 = Netherlands
| subdivision_type2 = Province
| subdivision_name2 = Groningen
| length = {{convert|25|km}}
| source1_elevation =
| discharge1_avg =
| basin_size =
}}
Boterdiep (Gronings: Botterdaip; translation: Butter Deep) is a canal in the Province of Groningen in the Netherlands. It was intended for the inland navigation. The name relates to the dairy products transported through the canal. It used to have its source in the centre of Groningen, but it has been rerouted to the {{ill|Van Starkenborghkanaal|nl}}.
History
In the 15th century, the Cleisloot provided a connection to Bedum north of the city of Groningen.{{cite web|url=https://easy.dans.knaw.nl/ui/datasets/id/easy-dataset:38873 |title=Een laatmiddeleeuwse Cleisloot blootgelegd. Een archeologische opgraving aan het Boterdiep te Groningen, gemeente Groningen (Gr.) |publisher=DANS |author=M.C. Blom and M.J.M. de Wit |page=Summary |language=nl |doi=10.17026/dans-2bx-5xn4 |year=2017}} In 1625, the ditch was transformed into a canal{{cite web|url=https://www.trekvaartrouteboterdiep.nl/het-boterdiep |title=Het Boterdiep |access-date=3 March 2022 |language=nl}} which resulted in Zuidwolde being cut into two parts.{{cite book|url=https://dbnl.org/tekst/sten009monu04_01/sten009monu04_01_0156.php?q=boterdiep#hl1 |title=Zuidwolde |author=Redmer Alma |year=1998 |publisher=Waanders Uitgevers |location=Zwolle |isbn=90 400 9258 3 |language=nl |access-date=28 February 2022}}{{rp|167}} In 1653, the Boterdiep was extended to Onderdendam{{cite web|url=https://rijksmonumenten.nl/monument/510674/rolpaal-aan-het-boterdiep/zuidwolde/ |title=Rolpaal aan het Boterdiep in Zuidwolde |website=Dutch Monuments |access-date=3 March 2022}} In 1660, it was extended to Kantens, and reached Uithuizen in 1695 where it ended in a little harbour.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=boterdiep+uithuizen&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd:010668627:mpeg21:a0127&resultsidentifier=ddd:010668627:mpeg21:a0127&rowid=7 |title=Uithuizen |website=Nieuwsblad van het Noorden |date=2 February 1929 |access-date=3 March 2022 |language=nl}}
File:Groningen - Boterdiep - Hunsingo.jpg
From the 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century, the Boterdiep was a main inland canal, and was aligned on either side by towpaths. The canal used to begin at the {{ill|Turfsingel|nl|Turfsingel (Groningen)}} in the centre of Groningen. In the early 20th century, the {{ill|van Starkenborghkanaal|nl}} was dug, and in 1912, the Boterdiep was re-routed to the new canal.{{rp|98}}
The section in Groningen was filled up and was renamed Gedempte Boterdiep.{{rp|98}} In 1973, another 700 metres was filled up to allow for the construction of a road to Eemshaven.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=boterdiep&coll=ddd&page=2&identifier=ddd:011016699:mpeg21:a0066&resultsidentifier=ddd:011016699:mpeg21:a0066&rowid=3 |title=Brug over nieuw Boterdiep |website=Nieuwsblad van het Noorden |date=6 August 1973 |language=nl |access-date=3 March 2022}} The canal did not agree and two months later, after heavy rain, had managed to return.{{cite news|url=https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=boterdiep&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd:011016757:mpeg21:a0358&resultsidentifier=ddd:011016757:mpeg21:a0358&rowid=5 |title=Gedempte Boterdiep slaat terug |website=Nieuwsblad van het Noorden |date=13 October 1973 |language=nl |access-date=3 March 2022}} The Boterdiep is nowadays mainly used for recreational boating and a 6 km/h speed limit applies.{{cite web|url=https://www.provinciegroningen.nl/beleid-en-documenten/kaarten-en-open-data/varen-in-groningen/boterdiep/ |title=Boterdiep |website=Province of Groningen |access-date=3 March 2022 |language=nl}} In 2020, the towpaths were reconstructed as a cycle and pedestrian tracks.{{cite web|url=https://www.deverhalenvangroningen.nl/alle-verhalen/de-trekvaartverhalen-van-het-boterdiep |title=De trekvaartverhalen van het Boterdiep |website=De verhalen van Groningen |access-date=3 March 2022 |language=nl |author=Sanne Meijer}}
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== References ==
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