Swiss River Wänibach's Flood Protection Project Nears Decision
The Wänibach, a river in Switzerland, faces significant flood risks, with annual damages estimated at 200,000 francs. To tackle this, a comprehensive water construction project began in 2020. Two main options have been identified for flood protection: retention areas and relief tunnels.
Retention areas, initially considered cheaper at 5.7 million francs, would require substantial agricultural land, high dams, and high maintenance costs. The Wänibach, classified as a high-risk waterway in the cantonal master plan, demands a more sustainable solution.
Relief tunnels, at an estimated 6.9 million francs, are deemed the best option due to their technical feasibility and lower landscape impact. They also have lower follow-up costs compared to retention areas. A designated decision-making body, yet to be named, will make the final call on the relief tunnel construction in Schwyz.
The Wänibach flood protection project is underway, with relief tunnels currently the favoured option. The decision on the Schwyz relief tunnel is pending, with the exact decision-maker yet to be revealed. The project aims to mitigate annual flood damages of around 200,000 francs, ensuring the safety and security of the surrounding communities.
