The latest advancements in the HS2 project mark significant developments in viaduct construction.
- At the Westbury Viaduct, a diligent six-month effort has culminated in a successful deck slide operation.
- The innovative double composite design is a key feature of the involved structures, enhancing efficiency.
- Turweston Viaduct’s construction progresses with completed abutments and preparations for deck assembly.
- Leaders express pride in the project’s accomplishments and foresee greater efficiency in future constructions.
In a remarkable achievement for the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, engineers from EKFB, the consortium comprising Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial, and Bam, have completed a substantial deck slide for the Westbury Viaduct near Brackley, Northamptonshire. This 320-metre-long structure was meticulously assembled over six months beginning in March 2024, transitioning from an initial weight of 1,145 tonnes to a final robust 2,695 tonnes. The construction involved assembling the viaduct in three strategic stages, with sections ranging from 84 to 135 metres in length, successively pushed from the north to the south abutment.
The completion of the deck slide signifies an impressive engineering feat, leading to the next phase requiring precise lowering of the entire 320-metre deck by 600 millimetres onto permanent bearings. This task will be executed over two months, meticulously lowering the structure 200 millimetres at a time, ensuring each pier supports the deck fully in its designated position, thereby underscoring the precision and careful planning involved in such a gigantic project.
Approximately five kilometres from Westbury, further progress is observed at the Turweston Viaduct, where EKFB engineers celebrated the completion of two pivotal abutments. These will soon be integral to the 80-metre-long deck structure, set for assembly as preparations advance for its launch in early 2025. This progression highlights the project’s momentum and the swift pace aimed for amidst challenging engineering landscapes.
Both viaducts feature an innovative double composite design, leveraging reinforced concrete layers around steel beams to form a highly efficient box beam. This design approach, which is also being implemented on the Wendover Dean Viaduct, aims at significantly reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable construction practices across the HS2 project.
HS2 Ltd’s senior project manager, Elizabeth Longinotti, acknowledged the immense efforts of all involved teams, expressing her anticipation for achieving similar milestones at Turweston. She noted the potential of the double composite structure to significantly cut down construction carbon footprints, extending its applications to other future projects within the UK. Meanwhile, EKFB’s project director, Tony Wehby, lauded the collective dedication and advocated for the high level of skill and perseverance demonstrated by the teams, deeming the recent achievements as pivotal in the project’s ongoing success.
These advancements in viaduct construction underscore HS2’s commitment to innovative and sustainable engineering solutions.
