Potain Cranes Support HS2’s Colne Valley Viaduct, the UK’s Longest Railway Bridge

Meagan Wood
Jul 19, 2023
3 min read

Updated: Jan 2

30 Second Takeaway

Potain MR 225 A luffing jib cranes are providing critical lifting support on the Colne Valley Viaduct, part of the HS2 high-speed rail project and the largest infrastructure programme in Europe. Supplied and operated by Sir Robert McAlpine, the cranes are helping construct what will become the longest railway bridge in the UK, stretching 3.4 kilometres when completed.

HS2 calls upon Potain to Supply Tower Cranes

Supporting Europe’s Largest Infrastructure Project

The HS2 project is one of the most ambitious infrastructure developments ever undertaken in Europe, and construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct represents a major engineering milestone within the programme.

Located on the outskirts of London, the viaduct forms part of the section of HS2 being delivered by the Align joint venture, which is responsible for building 21.6 km of the high-speed rail line.

Align brings together three major contractors:

Sir Robert McAlpine
Bouygues Travaux Publics
VolkerFitzpatrick

Potain MR 225 A Cranes on Site

A total of 11 Potain MR 225 A luffing jib cranes are being deployed by Sir Robert McAlpine to support construction of the viaduct. The first four cranes are already operational, with the remainder phased in as work progresses.

Each crane is configured with:

A 50 m jib
3.25 t lifting capacity at jib end
10 t capacity out to 25 m
17.5 m height to jib foot
Installation on reusable fixing angles

All cranes on the project are operating in the same configuration, simplifying logistics, erection and operational planning across the site.

Long-Term Crane Deployment

The first MR 225 A was erected in June 2022, with the final crane scheduled to be dismantled in March 2024. Throughout the project, the cranes are working:

10 hours per day
Five days per week

Their primary role is lifting concrete formwork and precast sections, supporting the repeatable, high-precision construction processes required for the viaduct’s extensive span.

Proven Relationship Between Contractor and Manufacturer

Sir Robert McAlpine is one of the UK’s most established construction companies and has been a Potain customer for more than 30 years. The contractor operates a fleet of 55 Potain cranes, reflecting long-term confidence in the brand’s performance and support.

Steve Wright, Commercial Plant Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, said:

“Sir Robert McAlpine and Potain have a longstanding relationship that continues to improve through collaboration and innovation. Our expectations are met with full commitment from both teams to ensure we achieve our aims and objectives to the highest standards.”

Flexibility Built into the MR 225 A

Although configured with 50 m jibs for the Colne Valley Viaduct, the Potain MR 225 A offers additional flexibility. The crane can be equipped with a jib length of up to 55 m, where it is capable of lifting:

2.15 t at full jib length
Maximum capacity of 14 t

This adaptability allows the crane to be redeployed easily on future infrastructure and high-rise projects with different site requirements.

Enabling Landmark Rail Infrastructure

The deployment of multiple Potain MR 225 A luffing jib cranes underscores the role of high-capacity, precision tower cranes in delivering complex linear infrastructure projects. Their ability to operate efficiently over long durations, within tight tolerances and repeatable lifting cycles, is essential to the successful delivery of the Colne Valley Viaduct and the wider HS2 programme.

About Sir Robert McAlpine

Sir Robert McAlpine is one of the UK’s leading construction and civil engineering companies, delivering complex projects across infrastructure, transport, commercial, healthcare and energy sectors. With a history spanning more than 150 years, the company is recognised for its engineering expertise, collaborative approach and long-term investment in plant and equipment.

Visit website: https://www.srm.com

About Potain Tower Cranes

Potain, a brand of Manitowoc, is a global leader in tower crane design and manufacture, with a portfolio covering luffing jib, flat-top and self-erecting cranes. Potain cranes are widely used on major infrastructure projects worldwide, valued for their lifting performance, reliability and adaptability on complex, long-duration builds.

Visit website: https://www.manitowoc.com/potain