Rail minister visits HS2 site in Hertfordshire
Huw Merriman was the first person to walk on what will be the UK's longest railway bridge
Rail minister Huw Merriman's visit to Hertfordshire today has made him the first person to walk on the UK's longest railway bridge, which is under construction at the HS2 site.
So far, the first 480m of the Colne Valley Viaduct have been built over seven months, using a 700 tonne 'bridge-building machine'.
The machine is the only one of its kind operating in the UK and is used to lift giant pieces of concrete, that form the viaduct, into position. As each section of the viaduct is complete, the machine inches itself forward and onto the next stage of the build.
The viaduct will eventually stretch more than two miles across a series of lakes and waterways in Hillingdon, just outside Hertfordshire.
The project is designed to improve rail links between London, Birmingham, and the North, as well as provide a low carbon alternative to the car and create almost 30,000 jobs.
But the project remains controversial, with critics worried about the impact on nature, their homes, and the cost.
Recently, people living near to the construction site have complained about a high level of noise that stretches into the night.
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: "It was incredible to be the first person to officially walk on top of it today – another milestone for this monumental project which will transform journeys for people up and down the country, creating almost 30,000 jobs and providing a low carbon alternative to cars for decades to come.”
David Emms, from HS2, said: "After seven months of hard work, it’s great to be able to finally be able to walk on part of the Colne Valley Viaduct. Once complete, this record-breaking structure will form a key part of the HS2 route."
The viaduct is expected to be complete at the end of 2024.