The Brenner Base Tunnel - a new link through the Alps

28 Environmental protection - together with nature Environmental protection Protection of the public Austria and Italy will implement numerous environmental projects during the construction of the Bren- ner Base Tunnel. In this way the high-capacity line is contributing to the protection of the Alps. Even the construction process will be as environmentally friendly as possible. The construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel is accom- panied by comprehensive environmental measures. The public and the flora and fauna are affected as little as possible by the construction work. The construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel is subject to strict environ- mental measures. Dust and noise at the construction sites are kept as low as possible. Noise protection baffles and walls will be erected to protect against noise pollution. The turbines used to ventilate the tunnel are housed in their own caverns built in the rock. Where construction sites are located close to populated areas, the hours of construc- tion are limited to take into account the needs of the local residents. Air pollution caused by construction traffic will also be minimised. This is why numerous additional motorway slip roads are provided along the project area; they allow the construction sites to be supplied exclusively along the primary transport network, eliminating the need to drive through towns and villages. At the construction site area in Mules environmental and pollution control measures are clearly visible.