HS2 has revealed the first images of its one-and-half mile-long Greatworth tunnel.
This will be one of three ‘green tunnels’ built across Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire to help the high-speed rail line blend into the local landscape.
More than 5,000 steel-reinforced concrete segments will be manufactured in Derbyshire by Stanton Precast and then shipped to the village in Northamptonshire for assembly of the tunnel.
This will include five steel-reinforced concrete precast segments that will slot together to make a double arch over the new line for north and south-bound traffic.
This modular build and assembly approach to the green tunnels was developed by HS2’s main works contractor EKFB; made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall.
By reducing the amount of concrete and steel needed for the tunnel, this lighter-weight modular approach is expected to cut the amount of carbon embedded in the structure by more than 50%.
Once in place the tunnel will be covered with the earth excavated during the initial stages of construction and landscaped to fit into its surroundings. This will include planting native trees and shrubs such as Silver Birch, Oak, Beech and Willow.
“The Greatworth green tunnel is a great example of what we’re doing to blend the new railway into the landscape and protect communities living close to the line.
“By adopting an ‘off site’ approach to manufacturing, we’re also cutting embedded carbon from the design, improving efficiency, safety and making the whole construction process less disruptive for the community.”
