Wendover tunnel

Passing alongside an existing railway

Wendover tunnel will stretch for about 1 mile (1.4 km) past the town alongside the existing railway and A413.

As one of five cut-and-cover, or green tunnels, on the route. These shallow tunnels are built on the surface before being buried. They have trees, plants, and shrubs planted on top to blend into the landscape. To reduce the number of trucks on the road material from the excavation is kept on site and then reused for the tunnel surroundings. 

M-shaped double arch

Designed as an m-shaped double arch, the tunnel is actually two separate tunnels for south and northbound trains. Instead of casting the whole tunnel on site, five different concrete precast segments will be slotted together to achieve the double arch. It will have one central pier, two side walls and two roof slabs.

Concrete and steel are amongst the biggest sources of carbon emissions in the construction industry. The lighter-weight modular approach is expected to significantly reduce the amount of carbon embedded in the structure. It will also need fewer people and less equipment on site. This will improve safety and reduce disruption for residents. 

 The tunnels will have porous portals at either end. These reduce the noise of trains as they enter and exit the tunnel. There are also small portal buildings at the southern end to house safety and electrical equipment.