HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct: UK High-Speed Rail Milestone

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Introduction

Civil engineering works on HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct, the UK’s longest rail bridge, have been completed, allowing for 200mph high-speed services.

Viaduct Completion

New images have been released to mark the completion of civil engineering works on HS2’s Colne Valley viaduct. The 2.1-mile-long structure will carry Britain’s high-speed railway across roads, lakes, the River Colne and the Grand Union Canal, north west of London. Trains will operate at 200mph on the viaduct’s gentle curve, which is formed of 1,000 uniquely shaped deck segments.

Construction and Installation

Construction of the 10 metre-tall viaduct began in March 2021. The final pre-cast deck segment was lowered into place in September 2024. Align has since installed parapet sections, noise barriers, a structural health monitoring system, waterproofing, and drainage.

Project Management and Impact

Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd’s chief executive, is leading a comprehensive reset of the programme. Billy Ahluwalia, HS2 Ltd’s senior project manager for the viaduct, noted that the completion marks over 10 years of planning, design, and construction. Coralie Peroux, Align JV project director, highlighted the collaborative efforts in delivering the project. The viaduct stretches across the Colne Valley near the M25 motorway and Denham village. It sits between the 8.4-mile Northolt Tunnel and the 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel.

Significance and Scope

The viaduct is the longest of more than 50 major viaducts being built for HS2. HS2 will operate on dedicated tracks between London and Birmingham and beyond, boosting capacity on the busiest section of the West Coast Main Line while driving economic growth. The completion means that the Tay Bridge, linking Fife and Dundee, has ceded its crown as Britain’s longest rail bridge, a record it had held since 1887.

Conclusion

The Colne Valley viaduct is complete, representing a key milestone for HS2 and enabling high-speed rail services.

Company Summary

Align: A joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine, is the main works contractor for this section of the HS2 project.

Bouygues Travaux Publics: Part of the Align joint venture.

VolkerFitzpatrick: Part of the Align joint venture.

Sir Robert McAlpine: Part of the Align joint venture.

HS2 Ltd: The company overseeing the HS2 project.

Technology

Structural health monitoring system: Installed on the viaduct.

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