Building for life, building for mobility

The HS2 high-speed rail line is the United Kingdom’s largest transport infrastructure project. The line will allow a non-stop journey from London to Birmingham.

The 21.6-kilometre stretch of the line in north-west London under construction by Bouygues Travaux Publics includes an iconic 3.4-kilometre viaduct (the Colne Valley Viaduct) and a 15.75-kilometre twin-tube tunnel (the Chiltern Tunnels).

The construction of the C1 section of the UK high-speed rail line represents a major commitment by Bouygues Travaux Publics and the Align joint venture to help reduce carbon emissions. The 40% reduction in carbon emissions achieved by this project demonstrates the company’s determination to limit its environmental impact while meeting society’s growing need for mobility.

One of the major measures taken to minimise the carbon footprint of the project was the re-use of excavated soil. The project has demonstrated a circular and environmentally responsible approach by reusing roughly 3 million m³ of soil to create a 127-hectare meadow. This initiative has not only helped to minimise site waste, but also to restore valuable local ecosystems.

The project’s recognition by the Green Apple Awards in 2023 highlights the effectiveness of the environmental measures put in place and confirms the importance of this sustainable approach to the construction of major transport infrastructure.

High-speed innovation

Impressive technological innovations have been incorporated into the construction of the C1 stretch.

Thanks to the semi-automatic laying of voussoirs, excavation can be carried out continuously, reducing downtime and increasing site efficiency. Work scheduling using artificial intelligence via the Alice Technologies platform reflects innovative and effective project management methods. The use of cutting-edge technology ensures optimum coordination of the work as well as proactive risk management, contributing to the overall success of the project.

This project, due to be handed over in 2025 and commissioned in 2029, has allowed Bouygues Construction to set new standards and establish new construction methods for sustainable and efficient infrastructure, combining cutting-edge technical expertise with a deep commitment to the environment.