HS2 Ltd has unveiled an outline concept design for the Colne Valley viaduct in Buckinghamshire.

Proposals for the 3.4km-long structure have been drawn up by independent specialist architects Martin Knight in consultation with the Colne Valley Regional Park Panel, and the HS2 Independent Design Panel.

The project will be delivered by Align, a joint venture (JV) between Bouygues Construction, Sir Robert McAlpine, and VolkerFitzpatrick, which secured the £965 million Chilterns Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct main works civils contract from HS2 last year.

The concept has been developed around 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.

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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. The viaduct concept document explores a range of options and ideas for how it can be sensitively and aesthetically sited within the Colne Valley, while also addressing the technical demands of the project.

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."

Align will be responsible for developing the final design and delivering the viaduct according to technical specifications and within an agreed cost envelope.

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 Martin 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."

(LM)