A causeway has existed at Briassé since at least the 15th century. It operated a mill on the left bank. It was fitted with a lock gate after 1537. The canalization of the Mayenne led to its demolition and the construction in its place of a lock dam, the plans for which, drawn up by the Ponts et Chaussées engineer Du Jardin, were approved by the minister on 4 April 1865. The work, postponed during the 1870-1871 war, was awarded at a second tender on 15 July 1872 to the Souzay contractor René Limonier. They were followed by the ordinary engineer Lahougue. Work began in 1873 and was practically completed in 1874. Final acceptance took place on 11 November 1877. The lock house was extended at the end of the 20th century.
