HS2 project reaches milestones with viaduct and tunnel completions

Major construction milestones have been reached on the HS2 high-speed rail project in the United Kingdom. Engineers have completed the 320-metre Westbury viaduct near Brackley, which will carry trains across the River Great Ouse floodplain.

The Westbury viaduct utilizes a ‘double composite’ design inspired by France’s TGV network, incorporating reinforced concrete both above and below steel beams to increase efficiency and reduce the use of carbon-intensive materials. The steel beams, weighing 2,695 tonnes, were positioned between March and October 2024.

Additionally, progress continues on the Wendover ‘green tunnel’ in Buckinghamshire. The central part of this 1.4km cut-and-cover structure has been completed, with the two halves of the tunnel successfully linked. Designed to minimize noise and visual disturbance, the tunnel will eventually be covered with earth to blend the railway into the local countryside.