Zurich – The Limmattalbahn light rail will have a positive impact on traffic in the region. At the same time, a project of this size has an impact on the environment, which the project partners are working to reduce and offset during the construction work.
The Limmattalbahn light rail project will connect the municipalities of Zurich-Alstetten, Schlieren, Urdorf, Dietikon, Spreitenbach and Killwangen by the end of 2022, bridging the cantons of Zurich and Aargau.
But a project of this size also has an impact on the environment, according to an article in the magazine Zürcher Umweltpraxis. Several project partners – including TBF + Partner AG or Pöyry Schweiz AG – are responsible for ensuring that the project is carried out in as environmentally friendly a manner as possible.
As an example, green spaces in the built-up areas are being preserved or compensated for. And if habitats for insects or trees have to give way to the new infrastructure, native trees species are being planted along the rail lines as compensation.
The groundwater is also being protected during construction, and particular attention is being paid to watercourses and flood protection. If, for example, open streams have to be covered, then new, open sections with riverbanks, grasslands and shallow shores are being created as a mitigation measure.
In general, attention is being paid to the air, dust and noise during the work, and the construction machines must conform to current standards.
