HS2 designs for Colne Valley viaduct

Image by Hayes Davidson / Knight Architects

Official Project Partner : HS2 Ltd

Concept designs for the Colne Valley Viaduct have been released by HS2 Ltd.

The outline concept will help inform development of its final design, following engagement with local communities.

Colne Valley Viaduct is a vital connection amongst the HS2 plans and will have a large impact on the surrounding area. It is therefore important to HS2 Ltd to discuss with the community how it can be aesthetically designed into the landscape.

The concept was developed by independent specialists Knight Architects, working with Atkins, in consultation with the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, and the HS2 Independent Design Panel, consisting of architects, designers and experts in sustainability.

The viaduct concepts explore a range of options and ideas for this technically demanding civil engineering project. It has been quite a demanding job to ensure the viaduct will be a sensitive and aesthetically pleasing addition to the Colne Valley, whilst addressing the technical requirements of the project. The area of the Colne Valley through which HS2’s route passes features a series of woods and lakes that developed when farming and quarrying ended, and sits alongside the Chiltern railway.

As with all infrastructure works along the HS2 corridor, the design has had to meet 14 key criteria, which were set by HS2 in consultation with the HS2 Independent Design Panel. These include whether the design fits the landscape, maintains views and landscape ‘flow’, is well proportioned and elegant.

Chair of the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, Jim Barclay, said: “The construction of the Colne Valley HS2 viaduct will have a significant impact on the Colne Valley area. The Colne Valley Panel which is drawn from local stakeholders, is very pleased to have been consulted and through a series of workshops, Panel Members have been able to understand the design principles for the viaduct. The Colne Valley Regional Park Panel looks forward to further engagement with HS2 and Align over the actual viaduct design.

As well as the viaduct itself, the concept document also explores innovative ideas for additional elements such as transparent noise-reduction barriers with vertical lines which are visible to bats and wildfowl to reduce possible impacts, whilst creating a slimmer side profile of the viaduct.

Sadie Morgan, chair of the Independent Design Panel, said: “We are delighted that this imaginative and carefully-considered concept has been published, and can form the basis for wider discussions with the communities around the Colne Valley and all those who value and use the spaces and amenities within it.

“The Independent Design Panel will continue to work hard to ensure that the viaduct’s final design respects its location and communities, whilst being a shining example of great design that Britain can be proud of.”

HS2 programme director, Mike Hickson, said: “The Colne Valley viaduct will be one of the longest viaducts in the UK, and one of HS2’s best-known structures. We are pleased and grateful for the work done by Knight Architects, the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel and the HS2 Independent Design Panel to produce this potential scheme design. We have every confidence that our contractor, Align, will continue this collaborative approach and engagement, as they now develop their own scheme and then detailed design of this significant structure.”

Construction partner Align will be responsible for developing the final design and constructing the viaduct according to technical specifications and within an agreed budget.

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