Innsbruck’s buried treasure: the city’s sewer system renovated

Bei den Kanalsanierungsarbeiten wurde eine Zugmaschine in die Baugrube gelassen, die sich dann unterirdisch vorarbeitete. (Archivfoto)

© Denise Daum

By Denise Daum

Innsbruck – Innsbruck municipal operations have closed a big project these days. The canal offensive in the city of Innsbruck lasted 14 years and the investment volume was 92 million euros. “Innsbruck has the second oldest infrastructure after Vienna,” says Thomas Pühringer, a member of the IKB board, explaining the decision to take over the sewerage system, part of which is 100 years old.

62 kilometers have been renovated in recent years. More than half of the work was carried out using the innovative mole method. Thanks to the trenchless pipe jack, there is much less noise and dust contamination. Starting from an exit shaft, the mole makes its way underground.

With the completion of the work, the sewerage network becomes state-of-the-art and complies with current guidelines for water protection. “In Innsbruck we are on a real treasure of pipes. The canal system provides security for the population and ensures that surface water is transported reliably, ”says Mayor Georg Willi.

Protection against floods will continue to be an issue for years to come. “Climate change has already brought about huge changes,” explains Thomas Pühringer, referring to the increase in torrential rains. Therefore, infiltration systems and retention areas have been created for a long time. Optimal surface design will become extremely important in the coming years, according to Pühringer.