23rd Mar 2023

HS2 reveals final design: Chiltern Tunnel structures

HS2 reveals final design for last of seven key Chiltern Tunnel structures.

HS2 has revealed the final designs for the North Portal of the Chiltern Tunnel – the last of seven key structures for the high speed rail project’s longest tunnels.

Once construction is complete, the seven ‘Key Design Elements’ will be the only parts of the tunnel visible to the local community.

Alongside the North Portal, which will be near South Heath in Buckinghamshire, they include the South Portal, near the M25, and headhouses above the ventilation and emergency access shafts, which are mostly designed to resemble agricultural buildings.

The design work has been completed by HS2’s main works contractor, Align JV – a team made up of Sir Robert McAlpine, Bouygues Travaux Publics, and VolkerFitzpatrick, working with its design partners Jacobs, Rendel-Ingerop and LDA Design, and its architect Grimshaw

Construction of the twin tunnels, which will stretch for 10 miles under the Chiltern hills, recently passed the halfway point, with two giant tunnelling machines currently between Amersham and Little Missenden.

The reveal of the last of the Key Design Elements for the tunnel represent a double milestone for Align who are also responsible for the Colne Valley Viaduct, meaning that they have completed their entire Detailed Design including designs for all of the Key Design Elements.

Hidden low into the landscape between Great Missenden and South Heath in Buckinghamshire, the North Portal will only be partially visible from a footbridge over the railway to the north.

Two perforated concrete hoods will cover the track, extending the tunnel into the open air. These ‘porous portals’ will avoid sudden changes in air pressure – and resulting noise – caused by trains entering and exiting the tunnels.

Alongside the portals, there will also be a simple single-storey ancillary building to house mechanical and electrical equipment which will be clad in earth-coloured pigmented zinc. Following feedback from the community, this building has been reduced in size and will now feature a green roof to help further blend the infrastructure into the landscape.

The headhouses about the ventilation and emergency access shafts at Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Amersham, Little Missenden and Chesham Road are also designed to blend into the landscape, with many echoing the look of local barns and other of agricultural buildings.

Latest news

  1. Unique HS2 tunnel portal completed

    25 Apr 2025

    Our Align JV builds tunnel extensions for HS2 to stop sonic booms from 200mph trains entering the 10-mile Chiltern Tunnel.

    Read more about
  2. Annual Report and Accounts 2024

    24 Apr 2025

    Download the Annual Report and Accounts that accompany our financial results 2023-24.

    Read more about
  3. SRMCV and Buccleuch acquire 101 Centre Street, Glasgow

    16 Apr 2025

    Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures and Buccleuch Property acquire 101 Centre Street, securing income and unlocking major redevelopment potential in Glasgow's southbank.

    Read more about
View all news