Littlewood Group (LG) has played a central role in the delivery of HS2’s Colne Valley Viaduct—the UK’s longest railway bridge at 3.4km—by designing and developing a bespoke Environmental Noise Barrier System that meets world-class standards in one of the country’s most sensitive landscapes.

Commissioned by Align JV, LG was challenged to create barriers capable of withstanding 320kph high-speed trains, with a minimum lifespan of 40 years for panels and 120 years for structural posts. In a protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the solution also had to meet strict architectural, acoustic, and environmental criteria.

Through close collaboration with Align, LG extended the panel lifespan to 60 years, delivering a reduction in whole-life carbon emissions, operational costs, and future maintenance. This commitment to innovation and sustainability marked a significant step forward in the industry.

Extensive testing was carried out in both Germany (MFPA Leipzig) and the UK (SRL and RAF Bentwaters), including the UK’s first full-scale Insertion Loss Testing, to verify acoustic performance, dynamic load resistance, and structural durability in line with both British and European standards.

The final product is a high-performance, architecturally sympathetic noise barrier system that aligns with HS2’s sustainability goals. Key achievements include:

1. Innovative Design & Durability – Exceeded project requirements with a 60-year lifespan, drastically reducing lifecycle costs and material use.

2. Pioneering Testing & Validation – Set new UK benchmarks for in-situ acoustic validation through advanced full-scale testing.

3. Sustainability Impact – Constructed using 90% recycled aluminium and 100% recyclable acoustic materials, supporting circular economy principles and minimising environmental impact.

Over two years, this project has redefined industry standards for railway noise mitigation—balancing cutting-edge engineering with long-term environmental responsibility.


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Credited Organisations: Kohlhauer