The Align joint venture is currently constructing the longest railway bridge in the UK, stretching for more than 3.4km (2 miles) across a series of lakes and waterways across the Colne Valley to the north west of London as part of HS2 Phase One, which will carry the new high-speed line between London and Birmingham.

To assist in the delivery of this project, Align required the delivery of temporary works to assist in the construction of the viaduct.

VolkerStevin were contracted by Align JV, a joint venture between VolkerFitzpatrick, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Sir Robert McAlpine, to construct four separate 10m wide double carriageway jetty structures to provide access routes over water for plant, equipment and materials in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. The jetties have an overall length of 990m, consisting of 326 tubular piles.

The scope was extended to include 57 cofferdams and various retaining walls, which together with the jetties provide access to help with the construction of the permanent viaduct piers. In total over 3,200 linear metres of sheet piling was installed.

Mark Cronshaw, account director said, “The project is a great example of inter-company collaboration, with several key activities delivered by VolkerGround Engineering and VolkerSite Services. The success of the project will hopefully open up opportunities for VolkerStevin and VolkerGround Engineering across future phases of the HS2 programme.”

Our works have provided the crucial steppingstone needed to bring HS2’s vision to life and mark the end of this initial phase of the record-breaking project.