BBT SE’S GOAL
BBT SE’s goal, in conclusion, is to build a railway infrastructure that promotes sustainable mobility not only between Innsbruck and Fortezza, but also between northern and southern Europe. At the same time, it is essential to take specific and targeted measures to protect the special habitats within the project area during the construction phase.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental protection has been a top priority since the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel. For example via so-called mitigation measures, i.e. measures that our project company implements to minimise or compensate the impact of the tunnel construction works in the project area.
RENATURATION OF WATERCOURSES
Works to widen the Isarco riverbed and restore a more natural river structure near Varna, Fortezza, Campo di Trens, Val di Vizze and Vipiteno not only allow for the recovery of more natural habitats, but also make sure that the area is more resilient in case of flooding. In addition, the restoration of the Kircherau biotope near Vipiteno was completed after the 2012 flood.
RECREATIONAL AREAS
In 2016, in cooperation with the Forestry Department of the city of Innsbruck, BBT SE carried out a major renaturation project on the Tantegert marshes: this area covers approximately 1.5 hectares and is located near Ambras Castle on the Paschberg mountain, close to the capital of Tyrol. As part of these measures, the water level in the marsh area was raised by 30 centimetres, two new ponds were built and an area was created to naturally restore local flora and fauna. These measures made it possible to revitalise the meadow surrounding the marsh, which is rich in interesting species and plants, and to improve access to the hiking trail with a overlook point that the City of Innsbruck laid out in the area surrounding the marsh.
ATTENTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Environmental consciousness in the BBT project is not limited to the many mitigation works that have been carried out or are being carried out. BBT SE’s commitment to environmental sustainability is actually aimed at restoring the project areas to their original state, or even improving them. Two examples? The Padastertal valley area and the 'Isarco underpass' and 'Gola del Sill' construction sites.
THE PADASTERTAL VALLEY
The Padastertal valley, a ‘V’-shaped valley with steep, sloping sides which currently holds the largest disposal site in the project area will in future be returned to the community as a ‘U’-shaped valley, once it is replanted with greenery. The valley floor will be higher and the side slopes far less steep and thus more suitable for agricultural activities and grazing animals.
NOSTRI CANTIERI
ISARCO RIVER UNDERPASS
On the Isarco River Underpass construction site, re-naturation began once the works were completed by putting in approximately 50,000 plants, thus restoring the construction site area, which is particularly visible from the surrounding area, to its original state.
SILL GORGE CONSTRUCTION SITES
Similar work will be done on the northernmost construction site of the BBT project, the Sill Gorge. Here, too, re-naturation work will have a direct and positive impact on the population. This site is quite close to the city of Innsbruck and it is particularly popular with the residents of the Tyrolean capital, who see the Sill Gorge as an ideal starting point for walks and hikes.