This 3.4km rail viaduct, the longest in the UK, is a key structure of HS2 Phase One. The design combines engineering and architectural considerations to respond to a highly sensitive natural environment. Its articulation, material choices and construction methods were developed to minimise impacts on people and nature while meeting the demanding performance requirements of a high-speed railway viaduct.
Delivering a railway viaduct of this scale required the successful integration of complex technical construction and operational requirements into a coherent structural solution. The modular approach, together with the careful resolution of movement joints and structural performance, has produced infrastructure that is both technically accomplished and visually well considered within the surrounding landscape. Strong coordination between design and construction teams ensured these challenges were successfully addressed.