Work has finally started on building a controversial HS2 viaduct near Wendover. 

Engineers have started sinking the first of more than 50 concrete piles that will form the foundations on the Wendover Dean viaduct. 

Located south of Wendover, the 450m-long viaduct will be the first major railway bridge in the UK to be built with a ‘double composite’ structure, using less carbon-intensive concrete and steel in comparison to a more traditional design.

Over the summer, engineers working for HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB - a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – will construct 53 concrete piles to form the foundations for the structure.

On top of each group of piles – which will range from between 38 and 46m deep - a concrete pile cap will support the pier which will in turn support the weight of the bridge structure above.

Instead of hammering the piles into the ground, holes will be bored before being backfilled to create the pile.

The piers, some of which will be up to 14 metres high, will be cast as shells before being assembled on site and filled with concrete - an approach which HS2 say will reduce the amount of work on site and cut disruption for local residents.

The first ‘double composite’ beams will be installed next year. 

EKFB Senior Engineer James Collings said: “We’re delighted to commence the next stage of construction with the bored piling works.

"The team has worked hard to deliver the preparatory works ahead of this stage.

"We’ve also been busy constructing the pier platform for the North side of the viaduct. 

“The Wendover Dean Viaduct will sit narrowly between two hills, spanning 450m across, and its design is pioneering, conveying a lightweight structure benefiting from less concrete and steel being used in the construction process.”