Padaster Valley 2014: The construction works (spoil removal tunnel, holding basins etc.) are completed, the disposal of the tunnel spoil is currently ongoing. After the completion of the disposal of the tunnel spoil, the Padaster valley will be completely re-planted (re-forestation, new brook bed, environmental compensation areas etc.). Several measures had to be taken in order to set up the Padaster valley disposal site. First of all, the re-routing tunnel for the Padaster brook was built. It is 1,500 metres long. The deviation of the Padaster brook was a prerequisite for the approval of the disposal site. During the construction and disposal phase, the Padaster brook is being re-directed through the re-routing tunnel. In order to reach the disposal site without having to travel through residential areas, a 700-metre tunnel, the so-called Padaster tunnel, was built. In order for the spoil to be carried directly to the disposal site during the construction phase, a 950-m long spoil tunnel was also excavated. Through this tunnel, conveyor belts transport the tunnel spoil straight to the disposal site. Above the re-routing tunnel, a vast debris barrier was built. About 100 metres towards the valley entrance, an intake structure was built and the Padaster brook flows through this into the re-routing tunnel. Both structures protect the disposal site from flooding and flood debris accumulation during the construction phase. The district of Siegreith (Steinach am Brenner) was struck by severe weather in July 2012, but thanks to the debris barrier that had just been completed, the district was spared from mudslides. A huge debris retention basin was built at the place where the Padaster brook resurfaces after having flowed through the re-routing tunnel. It provides effective protection from flood debris accumulation and flooding. After the completion of the disposal activities, the new valley floor will be completely re-planted. A new natural brook bed, pasture areas, environmental compensation areas and a forest road are being built. 44 BRENNER BASE TUNNEL
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