The HS2 rail viaduct in the Colne Valley has been awarded the engineering category of the Fine Art Commission Trust’s annual Building Beauty awards. This prestigious honour was presented by the Duke of Gloucester and celebrates the exceptional engineering and design of the viaduct.
Judges praised the viaduct for its impressive scale yet delicate touch as it gracefully crosses over the water. Its curving form adds to the drama of the structure, creating a truly breathtaking composition over the lake.
Members of the HS2 delivery team, Align (the main civil engineering contractor), and Grimshaw (the viaduct architects) accepted the award on behalf of the project team. Construction of this viaduct, which is the longest in both HS2 and the UK, began near Denham in 2021 and spans an impressive 3.4km.
The final concrete segment, one of 1,000, was placed in September, marking a significant milestone in the project. These segments, weighing up to 140 tons each, are uniquely shaped to fit the viaduct’s curve and the varying lengths of its 57-arch span across two lakes. The attention to detail and precision in construction is evident in the elegant expansion joints, poised decking on bearings, and varied concrete forms with smooth surfaces and gentle corrugation.
With over 30,000 people involved in the construction of this viaduct, it is truly a collaborative effort that has resulted in a remarkable piece of infrastructure. The judges of the Building Beauty competition were impressed by how such a massive structure could still appear light and delicate in its movements.
The viaduct’s acoustic wings, designed to reduce noise pollution, were noted for their light and airy construction, further adding to the overall beauty and functionality of the project. The attention to detail and innovative design elements showcased in the HS2 rail viaduct are a testament to the talent and dedication of all those involved in its creation.
