Pöham begins flood protection works to safeguard homes and railway

Construction has begun on three flood protection structures in Pöham, a district of Bischofshofen in Salzburg, to protect homes, roads and the railway, ORF reports.

The project in the Glatzhofgraben stream channel is being carried out by Austria’s Torrent and Avalanche Control Service. Debris flows caused severe damage there in 2009 and, especially, in 2013.

Work has started on the uppermost structure. Two more structures and a debris-flow breaker are due to follow in the coming months. The banks of the Fritzbach will also be reinforced.

The work is expected to continue until the end of 2027 and cost about three million euros. The federal government will cover most of the cost, with contributions from the state of Salzburg, the local water cooperative, Austrian Federal Railways and the state road administration.