Progress of Works on the Stara Drava Varaždin Side Channel (C.2)

At the Stara Drava Varaždin (C.2) site, works continue on the restoration of the side channel, which was designed and developed as part of the DRAVA LIFE – Integrated River Management project.
Vegetation and tree clearing along the route of the future channel, as well as on the area designated for depositing excavated sediment, has been completed.

After a brief pause caused by a snow episode, snowmelt, and increased precipitation last week, mechanical excavation has resumed. Works have currently progressed up to cross-section number 21, representing about 40% of the total planned channel length.

Excavation is being carried out in accordance with the project documentation, at elevation levels between 166.6 and 167.8 meters above sea level, designed for a water level with a 95% duration, with slope gradients of 1:2 and 1:4, which are flattened on the convex sides.

The remaining phases of the intervention, currently in the planning stage, will be innovative and based on the principles of Nature-based Solutions (NBS). This approach utilizes the river’s natural processes instead of traditional technical solutions. Such a method will be applied for the first time in Croatia on a river area of this complexity.

The completion of excavation works will depend on future hydrological and meteorological conditions, and the public will be timely informed about the progress of the next phases.

The latest drone footage from the site already provides a clear view of the scope of the intervention and the future appearance of the restored Stara Drava side channel.