Speaking of the restoration of the Pétrusse river to its natural state, specialists of the Parks Department of the City of Luxembourg informed the alderman responsible that the hefty blocks at the valley would remain in place. The restored look, stretching from the Adolphe Bridge to the Rue de la Semois, is currently still only visible on paper. The plan involves the removal of 56 trees, some of which are in a fragile state, with two trees replanted elsewhere.
It is a costly and not always successful endeavour. In the first part of the valley stretching from the mini golf facilities to the Adolphe Bridge, many trees have been felled, according to specialists of the Parks Department of the City of Luxembourg. The historical orchard trees and other fruit trees need to be felled due to their deteriorated state, according to Yann Thill of the Parks Department of the City of Luxembourg. He further states that they will plant new plum trees at the rear end of the valley as well as larger trees. A higher number of trees would thus be planted than those that need to be felled, according to the Minister.
The walls of the river will be removed, releasing the Pétrusse from the concrete that cannot withstand the pressure, thus reducing the speed of the stream in order to prevent flooding.
The specialists of the City of Luxembourg and the State confirm that they fully support the project and point to the first part of the restoration process as a successful implementation of the concept, in which tiny fish have replaced leeches. They also plan to introduce trout in the river.
Indeed, the focus lies on biodiversity. The city alderman of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV), Maurice Bauer, highlights the importance of the Pétrusse restoration project for people and nature. Claude Prim of the Water Management Authority of Luxembourg is certain that this is not a one-time project, as they are considering other natural restoration projects.
Examples include the restoration of the Pétrusse beyond Hollerich and the restoration of the Alzette river. Furthermore, efforts to decouple the canalisation of sanitary facilities from the Petrusse river still need to be made.
Work on the restoration project of the Pétrusse will last a minimum of two and a half years.
You can find further information provided by the City of Luxembourg here.
Pétrusse valley renaturation enters second phase, Gëlle Fra lift project on hold
