Groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of the Danube tributary in Marktau
Groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of the Danube tributary in Marktau
IRIS project launches extension of the Danube tributary in Marktau
On July 1, 2025, construction work officially began on the extension of the Danube tributary in Marktau near Ottensheim and Wilhering. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of another IRIS measure—a significant step for water protection and flood prevention in the region.
Viadonau is responsible for planning and implementing the pilot project “Extension of the Marktau Danube side arm”.
“The Danube is one of the most important waterways in Austria and Europe. This makes it all the more important to use suitable approaches such as LIFE IP IRIS to develop joint measures and implement projects that preserve and further enhance our unique and valuable Danube region for people, nature, and the economy.”
More diversity along the river: New habitat for animals and plants
The existing Danube tributary in the Marktau area will be extended by around 400 meters as part of the project. Its new confluence will be created at the Ofenwasserbrücke (bridge), which will be converted into a viewing platform. The terrain will be lowered by removing around 150,000 m³ of fine sediment. This will create a flatter landscape in which natural flooding can occur more frequently again – an important prerequisite for the development of dynamic riparian forests and vibrant river landscapes.
Currently, the landscape still looks a bit barren, as trees and vegetation have been cleared for the construction work. But this impression is deceptive: the measure is creating the pre-conditions for a diverse natural habitat that will develop step by step over the coming years.
The newly designed riparian zones are varied in layout: flat, structured areas with deadwood and steeper embankments create diverse habitats for animals and plants. Particularly rare bird species such as the kingfisher and the sandpiper find new refuges here. The shallow water areas also offer protection for young fish and promote ecological diversity in the water.
Protection for people and nature
The project not only improves habitats for animals and plants, but also contributes to flood protection. Lowering the terrain and widening the tributary allows water to spread more freely during floods. This relieves pressure on the surrounding area and gives the Danube more space again.
This project impressively demonstrates how nature conservation and flood protection can go hand in hand and how integrative river management can create healthy river landscapes that are equally valuable for humans and nature.
Fotocredit: viadonau/Johannes Zinner
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