{"id":282248,"date":"2025-09-11T17:58:14","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T07:58:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/railuk.com\/?p=182517"},"modified":"2025-09-11T20:24:14","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:24:14","slug":"construction-of-britains-longest-rail-bridge-completed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=282248","title":{"rendered":"Construction of Britain\u2019s longest rail bridge completed"},"content":{"rendered":"

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New images have been released today to mark the completion of civil engineering works on HS2\u2019s Colne Valley viaduct \u2013 the UK\u2019s new longest rail bridge.<\/p>\n

The 2.1-mile-long structure carries Britain\u2019s new high-speed railway across a series of roads, lakes, the River Colne and the Grand Union Canal, north west of London. Trains will operate at 200mph on the viaduct\u2019s gentle curve which is formed of 1,000 uniquely-shaped deck segments.<\/p>\n

Construction of the 10 metre-tall viaduct started in March 2021, led by HS2\u2019s main works contractor for this section of the route, Align, a joint venture between Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine. The last of the giant pre-cast deck segments was lowered into place in September 2024.<\/p>\n

Since then, Align has been putting the finishing touches to the new landmark. This includes installation of parapet sections, noise barriers, a structural health monitoring system and waterproofing and drainage.<\/p>\n

It means that the Tay Bridge, linking Fife and Dundee, has finally ceded the crown of Britain\u2019s longest rail bridge, a record it had held since 1887.<\/p>\n

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