The viaduct has been designed with a low profile. Credit: HS2.

The construction of High Speed Two (HS2)’s Thame Valley Viaduct in the UK has successfully passed the halfway point, marking a major milestone for the development.  

Spanning the floodplain of the River Thame, the 880m viaduct will support HS2 trains travelling at speeds of up to 225mph between London and Birmingham. 

Related Company Profiles

View all

The project, located near Aylesbury, has seen 44 of its 72 customised precast beams positioned and 66 of the 70 piers installed. 

The design team, inspired by Spanish high-speed rail viaducts, has implemented a simple structural solution using two large hollow U-shaped beams per span. 

These are produced nearly 85 miles away on the Isle of Grain in Kent. 

This approach eliminates the need for concrete to be poured on site, as well as reduces the carbon footprint of the structure by approximately one-third.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The viaduct has been designed with a low profile, standing 3m above the ground, ensuring that HS2 services can continue operating even during heavy rain and flooding. 

HS2 main works contractor EKFB, which is a collaboration between Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and BAM Nuttall, designed the viaduct. 

FC Civils Solutions served as the specialist on-site construction partner. 

The larger precast beams used at the site are said to have been secured directly to one another, speeding up the work with up to six 90-tonne beams being installed each week. 

Once in place, specialist teams are noted to begin threading steel bars between the beams and post-tensioning them to provide the necessary structural strength for the high-speed trains. 

Additionally, the Kent-based factory produced the parapets and concrete planks for the deck supporting the tracks.