Keeping in line with the local area’s feel, an ‘ironstone’ cladding has been applied to the new canal viaduct
The HS2 Oxford Canal viaduct’s cladding was first revealed in 2023 and has now been installed as the viaduct’s signature feature.
The cladding consists of a warm-brown stone covering, something that has been a staple of the area for over a century.
The cladding covers prominent parts of the viaduct
The cladding, when fully finished, will cover the piers and abutment facing onto the towpath. The cladding is also featured along the canal, where is was laid by hand in sections being lifted into position to avoid waterway closures.
A team of bricklayers is laying 2,000 individual blocks around the concrete piers, with many bricks needing to be cut to shape to fit the geometry.
The blocks are made from locally sourced stone, with the name ironstone being drawn from the small amount of iron ore found in the material.
The viaduct has been designs to remain an open space, keeping it an inviting area for boaters and walkers wishing to see the view.
HS2 Ltd’s senior project manager, Sam Arrowsmith said: “More than two hundred years ago, the first canals revolutionised transportation and helped to build the country we live in today so it’s fitting that our contemporary design includes a nod back to those eighteenth-century pioneers.”
“Once complete, HS2 will transform journeys across the UK, provide more capacity on the existing rail network and help to boost the economy. But it’s also important that key structures like the Oxford Canal viaduct are sensitive to their location, which is why we’ve opted for the ironstone finish.”
Several viaducts are nearing completion
Earlier this month, the first section of the Saltley Viaduct was put into place; the bridge will replace the old viaduct over the 183 metre-long B4114, which was demolished in May.
The first section was installed over the August bank holiday weekend, with 55 metres put into place by driving it across 125 metres above railway lines.
Nic Ryder, HS2 Ltd’s project manager for the works, said: “Our engineering team is making fantastic progress and everyone worked incredibly hard over the Bank Holiday weekend to ensure we were finished in time for the railway to reopen.
“In the three months since the road closed, they have demolished the original structure and successfully installed the first span of the replacement bridge, putting us on track to proceed to the next phase.”
