The Highfurlong Brook Viaduct in Northamptonshire, UK, has reached a construction milestone as the final parapet installation concludes, marking the first viaduct completion on the High Speed Rail 2 (HS2) project.
Spanning 163m and located near Aston le Walls village, this structure is one of more than 50 viaducts planned for the high-speed rail network, which is aimed at enhancing connectivity between UK capital London and England's northern regions while alleviating congestion on the West Coast Mainline.
HS2 project client Bill Price said: “The completion of our first viaduct is a major moment for the HS2 project and I’d like to thank everyone in our integrated project team and supply chain partners who have worked so hard to get us where we are today.”
The viaduct stands approximately 9m high and comprises seven spans, each supported by four beams that weigh up to 56 tonnes (t).
These beams, extending up to 25m in length, were prefabricated and transported to the site overnight to minimise local traffic impact.
The deck, meanwhile, which will accommodate the track and electrical infrastructure, was cast on-site earlier this year.
This viaduct forms part of approximately 500 bridge structures within the HS2 project, including the Colne Valley Viaduct set to be the UK's longest upon completion.
The construction team, led by EKFB - a collaboration involving Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and Bam Nuttall - worked alongside design partners ASC and Moxon Architects.
It took more than two years to deliver Highfurlong Brook.
EKFB project manager Scott Corsar said: “We have achieved many ‘firsts’ with Highfurlong Viaduct, from the first viaduct to have its full deck installed to the first structurally complete viaduct on the HS2 programme following the recent installation of 136 parapets.”
Following structural completion, upcoming work includes earthworks to support railway approaches and the installation of rail systems by separate contractors.
HS2's London to West Midlands segment is set for operations commencement between 2029 and 2033.
Last month, HS2 announced that the 3,700t deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct was placed into position.
