HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct construction updates

[Nottingham59]

"We accidentally built it too narrow" would legit be the funniest thing to happen to the HS2 project.

From the Specimen Design document:

Colne Valley viaduct specimen design

Outlines the design-approach behind the viaduct, and how it has been developed so as to address HS2 Design Vision core values.

www.gov.uk

 

[BananaRepublic]

From that design document, there's another diagram on page 25, showing 5 metre spacing between track centre lines.
With GC gauge, that would provide 3565mm between the nearest adjacent tracks of each line and 1850mm (6ft) between passing vehicle bodies.

The photos of the viaduct deck are deceptive, if the finished article conforms with the dimensions in that document.

It would have been an almighty scandal if this and other viaducts had been mistakenly constructed to 100 mph railway standards.

 

[swt_passenger]

From that design document, there's another diagram on page 25, showing 5 metre spacing between track centre lines.
With GC gauge, that would provide 3565mm between the nearest adjacent tracks of each line and 1850mm (6ft) between passing vehicle bodies.

The photos of the viaduct deck are deceptive, if the finished article conforms with the dimensions in that document.

It would have been an almighty scandal if this and other viaducts had been mistakenly constructed to 100 mph railway standards.

The viaduct segments on the Colne viaduct are 13.4 metres across, the bases of the side walls increase the width only slightly, but I’d estimate the low containment walls are about 9-10 metres apart. The idea that it’s too narrow is ridiculous.

An image from ‘construction enquirer’ shows the as built cross sectional view:

First of 1,000 giant HS2 bridge segments roll-off factory line – video

Align pre-cast factory starts production for UK's longest railway bridge

www.constructionenquirer.com

 

[Nottingham59]

In the photograph, there seem to be three or four people in orange clothing, in the distance next to some sort of vehicle. That gives a better sense of scale.

420-Looking-south-towards-the-A412-crossing-showing-the-4-metre-sound-barriers-Nov.-2024-01_416.jpg

 

[swt_passenger]

In the photograph, there seem to be three or four people in orange clothing, in the distance next to some sort of vehicle. That gives a better sense of scale.

There are also numerous videos posted throughout this thread showing the true scale, with various road vehicles moving about, and mobile cranes working on the viaduct, both with huge amounts of space around them.

 

[BananaRepublic]

...... I’d estimate the low containment walls are about 9-10 metres apart. The idea that it’s too narrow is ridiculous.

As I said, the photos from the actual completed deck are deceptive.
With very little in the way of visual reference, it looks narrower than I expected.
It must be a trick of the lens, as recent video footage gives a truer idea.

420-Looking-south-towards-the-A412-crossing-showing-the-4-metre-sound-barriers-Nov.-2024-01_416.jpg

419-Installing-the-transparent-sound-barrier-Nov.-2024-01_417.jpg

426-Looking-south-along-Colne-Valley-viaduct-from-the-north-abutment-Nov.-2024-01_410.jpg



z

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Jan 2025 ==

In the photograph, there seem to be three or four people in orange clothing, in the distance next to some sort of vehicle. That gives a better sense of scale.

Those are not people. They are work barriers, by the look of it
The mesh panels lining the low walls, are possibly 700 - 800mm high (plus wall height)?

418-Panel-of-the-transparent-aryllic-sound-barrier-Nov.-2024-01_418.jpg




z

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Jan 2025 ==

That cross section diagram at the top of this page, does not represent what has been built.
The layout, dimensions and configuration are way out.

 

[zwk500]

That cross section diagram at the top of this page, does not represent what has been built.
The layout, dimensions and configuration are way out.

Have you measured it then? There are certainly differences between that diagram and the images but they are mainly around the access walkway. the fundamental width of the trackbed and viaduct does not look to be significantly different, and at the scales HS2 are working at comparison between drawings and publicity photos are going to be extremely hazy because of the optical affects of the photography with foreshortening and references.

 

[Snow1964]

HS2 update of works through to June

We have now completed the installation of both parapets (walls of the viaduct) and noise barriers on the Colne Valley viaduct as it crosses the A412.

Work began last October 2024 to prepare the foundations for the construction of the concrete noise barriers which begin where the Colne Valley viaduct starts and then stretch back northwards for nearly 500 metres either side of the railway line. The concrete noise barriers will be 4m tall and are part of the screening for the operational railway. These works will start in April 2025 until June 2025. We will do all we can to minimise noise.

4m (13 feet) concrete noise fences, that will give a rubbish view of scenery from the train. There is a photo with barriers superimposed on link.

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ongoing-works-at-North-Embankment-March-to-August-2025_March_2025.pdf

 

[zwk500]

4m (13 feet) concrete noise fences, that will give a rubbish view of scenery from the train. There is a photo with barriers superimposed on link.

The Colne Valley is hardly the Alps or the Fjords, does it really matter if all you can see is fencing?

 

[BrianW]

The Colne Valley is hardly the Alps or the Fjords, does it really matter if all you can see is fencing?

For those of us that like 'looking out of the window' it matters. Looking at greenery is good. The Colne Valley has its beauty if you can lift your eye from a screen and view the 'real world'. Perhaps I may learn to appreciate 4m walls of concrete.

 

[absolutelymilk]

HS2 update of works through to June


4m (13 feet) concrete noise fences, that will give a rubbish view of scenery from the train. There is a photo with barriers superimposed on link.

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ongoing-works-at-North-Embankment-March-to-August-2025_March_2025.pdf

500m at 225mph would be about 5 seconds worth of scenery

 

[JamieL]

Even so, I agree with BrianW, scenery is part of the joy of a railway journey. It is disappointing that will be lost on much of HS2 what with the tunnels, bat cave and noise barriers.

 

[zwk500]

Even so, I agree with BrianW, scenery is part of the joy of a railway journey. It is disappointing that will be lost on much of HS2 what with the tunnels, bat cave and noise barriers.

I expect you'll spend less time having the view blocked by the "Bat Cave" than you will having the view blocked by other trains passing on the adjacent line, or passing through Birmingham Interchange station.

 

[Bald Rick]

For those of us that like 'looking out of the window' it matters. Looking at greenery is good. The Colne Valley has its beauty if you can lift your eye from a screen and view the 'real world'. Perhaps I may learn to appreciate 4m walls of concrete.

Even so, I agree with BrianW, scenery is part of the joy of a railway journey. It is disappointing that will be lost on much of HS2 what with the tunnels, bat cave and noise barriers.

It has been established for some time that because of tunnels, cuttings, noise barriers, etc, the amount of the journey time-wise between London and Birmingham with ‘a view’ is going to be around 30%. And some of that 30% is the final approaches to Birmingham from Washwood Heath, for which looking at a concrete noise barrier may well be preferable.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

It has been established for some time that because of tunnels, cuttings, noise barriers, etc, the amount of the journey time-wise between London and Birmingham with ‘a view’ is going to be around 30%. And some of that 30% is the final approaches to Birmingham from Washwood Heath, for which looking at a concrete noise barrier may well be preferable.

Sadly no different from the Neubaustrecke in Germany where its slab green sound attenuating walls give no views. Thing is the locals have to look out on them all the time so you have to wonder whether they have the balance right.

 

[Mordac]

It has been established for some time that because of tunnels, cuttings, noise barriers, etc, the amount of the journey time-wise between London and Birmingham with ‘a view’ is going to be around 30%. And some of that 30% is the final approaches to Birmingham from Washwood Heath, for which looking at a concrete noise barrier may well be preferable.

You will be able to enjoy the unspoilt view of Washwood Heath when approaching Curzon Street though

 

[Bald Rick]

You will be able to enjoy the unspoilt view of Washwood Heath when approaching Curzon Street though

that was my point - having once lived a stones throw from Washwood Heath I‘d rather see concrete!

 

[Mordac]

that was my point - having once lived a stones throw from Washwood Heath I‘d rather see concrete!

Yes, I think I meant to reply to the post you were replying to

 

[Yindee8191]

HS2 update of works through to June


4m (13 feet) concrete noise fences, that will give a rubbish view of scenery from the train. There is a photo with barriers superimposed on link.

https://assets.hs2.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Ongoing-works-at-North-Embankment-March-to-August-2025_March_2025.pdf

According to the newsletter you link, the barriers "begin where the Colne Valley viaduct starts and then stretch back northwards for nearly 500 metres either side of the railway line", so they're on the section immediately to the north of the viaduct and not on the viaduct itself. The image shows them being in the cutting and the reference to 'foundations' implies they're constructing these on solid ground not the viaduct. The section immediately north of the viaduct is in a cutting so there's not going to be a view anyway. Barriers on the actual viaduct will be transparent if previous renders are accurate.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

Barriers on the actual viaduct will be transparent if previous renders are accurate.

How long would they stay transparent for, though?

 

[Snow1964]

New drone video, of the western slopes from end of Colne valley viaduct through to the tunnel mouths.

Lots of landscaping seems to be happening, the large concrete segment production area is being dismantled.

Appears to be lower concrete base of a trailing crossover just before the tunnel mouths, first time I have seen a video with what appears to be trackbed junction taking shape

 

[hwl]

New drone video, of the western slopes from end of Colne valley viaduct through to the tunnel mouths.

Lots of landscaping seems to be happening, the large concrete segment production area is being dismantled.

Appears to be lower concrete base of a trailing crossover just before the tunnel mouths, first time I have seen a video with what appears to be trackbed junction taking shape

"trackbed junction" has been visible if you know what you are looking for the multitude of Curzon Street throat viaduct videos for a while (cast in pad bases which are much more subtle).

 

[Snow1964]

New drone video of the Colne Valley viaduct, nearly all the side screens are in, and the majority of the temporary construction around the piers has now been removed, and final areas under the viaduct are being landscaped.

 

[SCDR_WMR]

Looks so much better!

 

[janahan]

That is just so beautiful. I thought for a moment that it was one of the CGI renders shown years ago visualising the viaduct! So polished and gleaming.

I know many look down at modern architecture, compared to Victorian examples, but I think this is special in it's own right, and I do forsee future generations will view it as a classic.

 

[rower40]

With all the construction seemingly over - how come there's a project to put an HS2 works siding on the Up side of the Chiltern Main Line between Denham and West Ruislip? What will it be used for?

 

[zwk500]

With all the construction seemingly over - how come there's a project to put an HS2 works siding on the Up side of the Chiltern Main Line between Denham and West Ruislip? What will it be used for?

Maintenance access?

 

[swt_passenger]

With all the construction seemingly over - how come there's a project to put an HS2 works siding on the Up side of the Chiltern Main Line between Denham and West Ruislip? What will it be used for?

The drawings on the HS2 website show a permanent maintenance siding, ie HS2 connected, roughly at that location, but it’s much nearer the HS2 tracks than the existing Chiltern route. Is that what it might be?

 

[hwl]

With all the construction seemingly over - how come there's a project to put an HS2 works siding on the Up side of the Chiltern Main Line between Denham and West Ruislip? What will it be used for?

There are several siding dotted around the network to allow maintenance trains (when in operation) to be parked up nearer to work locations so more can get done overnight so they don't have to come to and from Claydon every shift.
Three of these sites (including the one you mention) and the main Claydon maintenance base will also be the locations for the start of track track laying as materials especially rail can be brought in by rail.

As progress between OOC and the north end of the Chiltern tunnel has been far better than elsewhere it is likely the first substantive track laying will be from this siding and initially north from the siding along the viaduct and through the Chiltern tunnels (by which point the OOC - Ruislip tunnels should be ready for track laying)

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

New drone video, of the western slopes from end of Colne valley viaduct through to the tunnel mouths.

Lots of landscaping seems to be happening, the large concrete segment production area is being dismantled.

Appears to be lower concrete base of a trailing crossover just before the tunnel mouths, first time I have seen a video with what appears to be trackbed junction taking shape

Great video shows the amount of land that has been taken even temporarily compared to that required for alignment and the scale of remediation required to restore it back.