HS2 has completed the construction of Highfurlong Brook Viaduct near Aston le Walls in Northamptonshire, marking the project’s first completed viaduct.
The viaduct spans 163 metres in length and is the first of more than 50 viaducts planned for the HS2 project.
The completion of the Highfurlong Brook Viaduct was celebrated with the installation of the final parapet along the sides of the structure, officially marking the viaduct as structurally complete.
This achievement marks significant progress in the broader HS2 project, which involves constructing approximately 500 bridging structures, ranging from small road bridges to massive viaducts like the record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct.
Highfurlong Brook Viaduct
The Highfurlong Brook Viaduct consists of seven spans, each crossing the floodplain of Highfurlong Brook at a height of around 9 metres.
Its spans are each formed by four beams, which weigh up to 56 tonnes and measure up to 25 metres in length. These beams were manufactured offsite and delivered overnight to minimise disruption to local road users.
The viaduct’s deck, which supports the track and electrical systems, was poured in situ earlier this year, while the parapets along each side were manufactured offsite and installed over the past four months.
The viaduct’s construction was completed over two years by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB, a consortium comprising Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction, and Bam Nuttall. The design work was carried out by EKFB’s design partner ASC in collaboration with architect Moxon.
“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.
“It’s great to see Highfurlong Brook finished and I look forward to seeing many more of our viaducts, bridges, stations and tunnels come together over the next few years.”
As the viaduct is now structurally complete, the next phase of construction will focus on delivering the earthworks to support the railway at either end of the viaduct.
A separate team of contractors will then install the rail systems, including track, signalling, power, and communications systems.
“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.
“This would not have been possible without the hard work, consistency and collaboration of everyone involved with the structure, from our designers down to our operatives out on site.”
