High Speed 2 (HS2)

Meeting the challenges of an exceptional construction site.

The largest transport infrastructure project in the United Kingdom, HS2 is redefining the standards of low-carbon mobility between London and Birmingham. As part of the Align consortium, Bouygues Travaux Publics delivered section C1 of this high-speed line, one of the most complex sections: a 3.4-kilometre viaduct and a 16-kilometre twin-tube tunnel excavated through chalk and flint ground. To ensure the continuous progress of the tunnel boring machines, our teams developed a robust organisation and a logistics chain adapted to all weather conditions. The continuous treatment and removal of dried sludge represented a major challenge, demonstrating BYTP’s ability to orchestrate complex technical operations while ensuring safety at every stage of the project.

A long, grey concrete tunnel extends into the distance, featuring a large tan tube along its ceiling and walls lined with pipes and red cables. Bright white strip lighting on the left and green circular lights in the distance illuminate the modern infrastructure.

Meeting the challenges of an exceptional construction site.

The largest transport infrastructure project in the United Kingdom, HS2 is redefining the standards of low-carbon mobility between London and Birmingham. As part of the Align consortium, Bouygues Travaux Publics delivered section C1 of this high-speed line, one of the most complex sections: a 3.4-kilometre viaduct and a 16-kilometre twin-tube tunnel excavated through chalk and flint ground. To ensure the continuous progress of the tunnel boring machines, our teams developed a robust organisation and a logistics chain adapted to all weather conditions. The continuous treatment and removal of dried sludge represented a major challenge, demonstrating BYTP’s ability to orchestrate complex technical operations while ensuring safety at every stage of the project.

Vue aérienne d'un long pont ferroviaire blanc et moderne avec des arches, traversant une rivière sombre et reflétant dans l'eau, entouré de berges boisées sous un ciel clair et brumeux.

3,4
km of viaduct
16
km of twin-tube tunnel
2,5M
m³ of reused materials
127 HA
of landscaping

Turning the project's footprint into environmental value.

HS2 illustrates Bouygues Travaux Publics’ commitment to decarbonisation, in line with the UK’s national ambitions.

The 2.5 million cubic metres of excavated material generated by the construction of the tunnels were entirely reused to create a 127-hectare landscaped area on the South Portal site, a future haven for local flora and fauna.

This virtuous model of circularity reduces the project’s environmental footprint while strengthening its integration into the surrounding area.

With HS2, Bouygues Travaux Publics demonstrates that cutting-edge engineering and environmental performance can go hand in hand, paving the way for new approaches to designing major rail infrastructure.