In Frederikssund, the machines are working hard in the
construction phase of the Sillebro Ådal project. The construction
phase started in February 2013 by clearing the areas in which the
basins will be established. In addition, the area was cleared to
recreate the finely and steeply outlined river valley as an open
natural habitat. Despite great efforts to inform the public about
the project, the clearing work took many by surprise, and there has
since been many questions about the project. Felling trees in the
winter presents a dramatic sight, because of the great scars left
in the landscape. About 2,500 m³ of trees were cleared, which were
turned into wood chips and used in CHP plants.
Photo: Troels Karlog
In April 2013, excavators began to recurve the watercourse and dig
out forebasins and main basins which are to clean and delay
rainwater from the surrounding area. A total of 10 basins will be
established over a 2-km-long stretch of the river valley. The
basins have been placed so that the watercourse can curve through
the river valley and receive rainwater over a longer period to
protect the town centre from flooding. Huge amounts of soil have
been removed, and the river valley has been humming with activity
from heavily loaded dumpers. It has been an ordeal for the many
users of the area to walk around without getting their shoes muddy
and wet.
In connection with recurving the watercourse, which has become 200
m longer, 300 m³ gravel bed and 200 m³ large stones have been laid
to provide optimal conditions for fish and small animals.
The large recreational element in the river valley is also well
under way. This is to provide more and better opportunities to move
about the area as well as to fish in the gravel pit lake and jog
along the paths. A car park has been established, there are new
wheelchair-accessible paths with fishing sites, all bridges have
been replaced, and new pedestrian bridges have been established, so
visitors can experience nature and water at close hand. Moreover,
there are benches and tables carved from the trees felled in the
river valley.
Photo: Troels Karlog