HS2 has recently announced that they’ve started construction on what will eventually be the UK’s longest railway bridge, to be located near both Rickmansworth and Maple Cross.
The Colne Valley viaduct is set to stretch for two miles across the lakes and waterways between Hillingdon and the M25.
At a special event in London, attended by the government minister for HS2, Andrew Stephenson MP, the high-speed rail network also launched a giant, 700-tonne bridge building machine.
Mr Stephenson MP said: “Today, HS2 began construction on what’s set to be Britain’s longest railway viaduct, a landmark moment for HS2 and a feat of British engineering, taking the HS2 line from London, and into Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
“Infrastructure is the backbone of HS2, and this viaduct will be integral to delivering faster journeys and an increased capacity rail network.”
The development of the viaduct, and the project as a whole, has been a controversial one, however. Some believe it will have a damaging effect on the nearby wildlife, while others see it as necessary if the UK’s rail network is to expand.
Phase 1 one of the HS2 project, which includes the construction of Colne Valley viaduct, is set to be completed sometime between 2029 and 2033.
After the viaduct is constructed, the buildings surrounding it are set to be removed, with the area between it and the Chiltern Tunnel (which is also under construction) being turned into a zone woodland and chalk grassland as part of the rail network’s ‘green corridor’ project.
Picture credit HS2
0 Comments