Buckinghamshire approves Small Dean Viaduct

The 345 million Small Dean Viaduct for HS2 has received Buckinghamshire Council’s approval. The viaduct is set to run across the A413 and rail lines south of Wendover. It is designed by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB.

The consortium comprises Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. The specialist architect is Moxon, and ASC is the design partner.

Small Dean Viaduct is the most well-known of the 15 viaducts we are building across our 80 km central section of high speed 2,’ said Simon Matthews, interface and stakeholder relations director at EKFB. ‘Therefore. We have been developing our design to respond to the unique challenges of building a sustainable structure that responds to the local environment.”

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“We are pleased to receive planning approval for this iconic structure and the surrounding features.

This is from the guidance in the Chilterns AONB Detailed Design Principles and working collaboratively with local stakeholders. Finally, work is already underway to prepare for the new viaduct. Thus, over the next two years, the foundations and piers will be built alongside the busy A413.

This is before the 5,800-tonne deck will be launched in 2025.”

Read Also: Plans Approved for Construction of New Railway Station at Cheadle, UK[1]

The Small Dean Viaduct project scope

The viaduct is one of only two places in the Chilterns where the HS2 route will be above ground level. The viaduct’s underside is 6 metres above the road. Thus, trains heading north will pass Wendover in a short tunnel after going over the viaduct.

Environmental impact is minimised through the tunnel’s design. The tunnel’s South portal and noise barriers received planning approval this week per HS2 Act Schedule 17. The viaduct will cross the Chiltern line to London Marylebone.

For the A413 to pass beneath the viaduct, Small Dean Lane and the A413 will also need to be realigned. HS2 will also add a shared path for pedestrians and bicyclists. This is along the main road, which runs beneath the viaduct between the A413 London Road roundabout and the homes close to Rocky Lane.

As part of the Misbourne Greenway project, this will also be included.

References

1. ^ Plans Approved for Construction of New Railway Station at Cheadle, UK (constructionreviewonline.com)