HS2 site visit to Thame Valley Viaduct, Aylesbury

Overview

Construction of the Thame Valley Viaduct has passed the half-way point.  It is the first major railway viaduct in the UK to be almost entirely manufactured off-site, a move that represents a major step forward for viaduct design and boosts safety and efficiency on site.

The structure of the viaduct has been simplified with two wider, hollow beams per span instead of eight smaller beams. The new lighter-weight structure requires less carbon-intensive concrete and steel, reducing its carbon footprint by about a third, and is easier to assemble when it is slotted together like a giant Lego set on site.  As well as cutting carbon in terms of material, this approach requires fewer lorries to deliver material to site, cuts waste and reduces disruption for the community during construction.

Off-site manufacturing also helps spread contract opportunities and jobs across the UK. The beans and piers for this viaduct have been manufactured in a factory on the Isle of Grain.

The viaduct is close to a residential area and forms part of the scenic River Thames corridor.  To help it blend in with its surroundings the viaduct is set low into the landscape with a simple and consistent profile. The underside of the viaduct will be just 3 meters above the ground, with thirty-six 25m long spans crossing the river and surrounding wetlands to protect against flooding as mentioned earlier. The piers will also be extended to nearly connect with the parapet edge, helping to enhance the appearance of a light and narrow structure.

This site visit will see the ongoing installation of deck construction with parapets and piers already complete. PPE can be provided for visitors, a spreadsheet with requirements will be sent directly to you once you're registered onto the event.

After the visit the Retired Members group will be arranging a lunch in a local hostelry to enable members to network and plan future site visits for later in the year.  Please advise the event organiser if you wish to join this lunch session.

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