Construction of the Bad Deutsch-Altenburg pilot project begins

via donau, Pressemeldungen

Integrated planning approach

The aim of this project is to test river engineering measures contributing to the sustainable protection of the National Park and the growth of inland navigation. These planned measures include the restoration and lowering of river banks, the re-connection of the Johler side arm and optimizing low water regulation along the project's stretch. Adding somewhat coarser Danube gravel is expected to afford the riverbed better protection against further deepening. This project is not only designed to test river engineering solution and construction processes but also to develop and test the required technological and ecological assessment procedures.

"This pilot project has been jointly developed by noted experts from the fields of ecology, shipping and hydraulic engineering and features comprehensive measures for renaturalizing the Danube along an approximately 3 kilometer long test stretch", Hans-Peter Hasenbichler, General Director of via donau, comments on the start of the implementation stage.

Participation and ongoing dialogue

A participative model initiated by via donau ensures that affected groups and stakeholders, for example corporations, scientists and environmental protection organizations are able to collaborate effectively in the Bad Deutsch-Altenburg pilot project. "The supporters of this project include the Donau-Auen National Park, nature conservation organizations such as the WWF or Bird Life, the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Austrian Industries, Austrian Public Ports (IGÖD) as well as by renowned scientists. Maintaining a constant dialogue with these groups is a decisive factor for the overall success of the project. We are all willing and able to learn from each other! Additionally, its positive assessment by the competent authorities has shown us that the path of integrative planning we decided to take is the right one", says Mr. Hasenbichler.

The project which is also oriented towards ecological and navigation engineering goals is scheduled to run for about 2.5 years. During this entire period, scientific monitoring and ecological construction supervision will guarantee the responsible implementation of all steps of the project.

Vienna | Lower Austria, March 5, 2012

(c) photo credits: via donau

 

For more information, please contact:

via donau Corporate Communication Department

Bettina Pepek

Tel: 504321 – 1400 | 0664 808 42 1400

E-Mail: bettina.pepek   via-donau.org

 

Project Overview

Client: via donau - Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbH on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology

Site: near Bad Deutsch-Altenburg between Danube river kilometers 1887.5 and 1884.5

Project duration: approx. 2.5 years

Construction costs: approx. 14 million Euros (basic costs exclusive VAT), some 50% of which are funded by the EU

 

About via donau:

via donau – Österreichische Wasserstraßen-Gesellschaft mbH – was established in 2005 by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology and is the leading international waterways operator in the Danube region. Supported by the expertise and know-how of about 270 employees, for example in the fields of navigation and logistics, flood control and ecological hydraulic engineering, via donau serves numerous stakeholders and groups along the Danube. Its main emphasis is on the sustainable development of the Danube region as both a living environment and an economic area.