Major project starts

Two years after the storm: the shock is still deep-seated

The traces of the catastrophe of the century in Arriach are still visible.

(Bild: Claudia Fischer)

Two years after the catastrophe of the century in Arriach, the major torrent and avalanche control projects long awaited by the local population are being tackled.

The flood disaster at the end of June 2022, which destroyed the possessions of many families in Arriach and Teuchen and caused the deaths of beloved animals, still causes sleepless nights for residents today - especially during storms. The traces are still visible two years later.

Two temporary bridges will only be replaced by the state in the fall. At the Pilsachhof, which has now been restored to its former glory, there are still traffic lights for the single-lane temporary bridge. "Two million euros have been invested in the emergency measures alone so far," emphasizes Mayor Gerald Ebner. "Smaller bridges along Teuchen Straße, which were swept away by the Arriach stream at the time, have already been replaced."

The second temporary bridge will also be renewed in the fall.

(Bild: Claudia Fischer)

The second temporary bridge is regulated by traffic lights.

(Bild: Claudia Fischer)

The small bridges along Teuchen Straße that were torn away have been replaced.

(Bild: Claudia Fischer)

The temporary bridge at Pilsachhof will be renewed by the state in the fall.

(Bild: Claudia Fischer)

Major project starts
In May, the first construction phase - from the Pilsachhof to the Trendsportanlage and Baumgartnerhof/Hundsdorf - of the extensive large-scale torrent and avalanche control project will finally begin. The Arriach stream will be obstructed, barriers will be erected in the gorge and extensive embankments will be built. "Safety will be improved. Eleven million euros will flow into this project by 2033," says Ebner.

Ceremony in August
The landmark in the gorge, a wooden structure, is also to be rebuilt. A ceremony is planned there on August 30 to thank the numerous helpers, from the Austrian Armed Forces to the tireless fire departments and volunteers.