Critical preparatory work for a new viaduct along the HS2 route took place over the Easter weekend.
During a four-day railway closure, engineers worked on two huge viaduct piers that will support the Small Dean viaduct over the A413 and railway line, south of Wendover.
HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Ben Sebastian-Green said: “It’s great to see the first piers for Small Dean viaduct coming together.
“Once complete, this striking viaduct will carry HS2 services between Britain’s two largest cities, improving journeys and freeing up space for more trains on the congested west coast mainline.”
Work included building 49-metre deep foundations for the pier east of the railway and lifting a 42-tonne “Y” shaped segment onto the pier west of the railway.
The viaduct is one of only two places in the Chilterns where the new HS2 route will run above ground level. The underside of the viaduct will be six metres above the road below, supported by six piers.
“Once complete, this striking viaduct will carry HS2 services between Britain’s two largest cities, improving journeys and freeing up space for more trains on the congested west coast mainline.”
It will stand at 345 metres in length with girders made from weathering steel, which will blend into the natural tones of the surrounding landscape as they age.
The side of the girders will be supported by deck stiffeners which will allow for a more structurally efficient beam. The beam is being assembled to one side and will be slid out over the six completed piers in early 2025.
Small Dean is one of 50 major viaducts on the HS2 project. The work is being delivered by HS2 Ltd’s main contractor, EKFB.
EKFB’s Project Manager, Martin Gamble, said: “The Small Dean Viaduct Team is delighted to have successfully and safely completed all planned works over the Easter weekend.
“The closure has allowed us to deliver vital works adjacent to the existing railway which will now enable the next phase of the viaduct build.
“It is very exciting for me to see the various parts of the viaduct starting to take shape as we work towards launching the viaduct over the existing road and railway next year.”
Alongside construction of the viaduct, HS2 will also realign Small Dean Lane and the A413 under the viaduct, as well as delivering a foot and cycle path.
Image credit: HS2
