Oxford Canal Viaduct

The Oxford Canal Viaduct is located between Banbury and Daventry and is one of 15 viaducts and bridges across the central area of the HS2 route. It crosses the Oxford Canal, which is one of the oldest in Britain and was designed to bring coal from the Coventry coalfields to Oxford and the River Thames.

Viaduct design

Set low in the landscape three concrete spans will carry the railway 62.5 metres across the canal, towpath, and a country lane near the village of Wormleighton close to the border between Warwickshire and West Northants.

Following engagement with the local community, local ironstone will be used on the piers and abutments that face onto the towpath and passing canal boats. Tough and hardwearing, the warm-brown stone has been a feature of local buildings for hundreds of years and gets its name from the small quantities of iron ore contained within it.

As well as using local stone the viaduct has been designed to be as open as possible to improve the environment for boaters and walkers, allowing views across the landscape and the horizon. The design combines a simple overall form with a special focus on materials for the parts of the structure that are close to the canal and its visitors.

View or download our Oxford Canal Viaduct design information boards.