WORK is underway to assemble HS2’s Thame Valley Viaduct – all the major elements of which are being manufactured off-site. Pacadar UK’s Isle of Grain factory in Kent is producing a total of 68 concrete piers for the 880 metre-long (962 yard) bridge, which will cross the flood plain of the River Thame near Aylesbury. The first 14 piers had been lifted into position on top of their foundations by late June.
Just three metres (less than 10 feet) above the ground, the viaduct will have 37 spans. Each will consist of two 25 metre (82ft) hollow beams.
■ A purpose-built outdoor factory at Kingsbury in Warwickshire has begun production of the 2742 concrete segments that will be used to construct HS2’s Delta Junction – two spurs from the highspeed main line forming links to the north and London from Birmingham’s new Curzon Street station. The first segments will be used in the River Tame West viaduct near Warton Orton.
The first piers for the Thame Valley Viaduct, which will be just three metres above the ground, are seen on-site in June.
HS2