Viaduct & Aqueduct Groundwork

Our Expertise in Viaduct & Aqueduct Projects

With over three decades of experience in the UK market, Aarsleff has supported some of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Our expertise in viaduct and aqueduct groundwork is backed by deep technical knowledge, in-house design capability, and our own fleet of specialist equipment.

Viaducts often require complex piling and load-bearing structures to span variable terrains, while aqueducts call for waterproofing, support structures, and engineered slopes that account for hydrostatic pressure and environmental constraints. We bring a multidisciplinary skillset to these challenges, offering end-to-end design and build services that align with today’s infrastructure demands.

We pride ourselves on working collaboratively with Tier 1 contractors and our clients to develop safe, practical and value-driven solutions for every stage of a viaduct or aqueduct project.

viaduct in countryside

Piling Capabilities

As one of the UK’s leading piling contractors, we’re recognised for our high-performance viaduct and aqueduct solutions that cater to all soil types and structural demands.

Some of our piling services are:

We offer rapid mobilisation, factory-controlled quality, and extensive driven precast pile stock from our sister company, Centrum Pile, to reduce lead times and improve site efficiency.

Ground Engineering Solutions

Effective ground engineering underpins every successful viaduct or aqueduct project. At Aarsleff, our ground engineering solutions ensure that the subsurface is prepared to support long-span loads, fluctuating water levels, and challenging topography.

Some of our services include:

These services are essential for managing earthworks, reducing long-term settlement, and preventing failure in the complex ground profiles often encountered along viaduct and aqueduct routes. Our in-house engineering team works closely with clients to deliver design-led solutions tailored to specific geological conditions.

We prioritise minimising environmental impact, which is essential in delivering viaduct and aqueduct foundations that meet planning requirements and align with sustainability goals.

Aarsleff's rig be used to install soil nails for Elan Valley Aqueduct Rehabilitation project. Two workers are visible, one operating the machine, the other assisting on the ground.

Retaining Wall Systems

Many viaduct and aqueduct projects involve deep excavations, cuttings, or elevation changes that require retaining wall systems to manage earth pressures and protect adjoining infrastructure. We offer a comprehensive range of retaining walls designed for both temporary and permanent works.

Our retaining wall capabilities include:

Our solutions not only serve a structural function but also help improve safety, limit site footprints, and maintain environmental compliance. From canal-side aqueducts to embankment-heavy viaducts, we provide retaining walls that are tailored to site conditions and load requirements.

Our Viaduct & Aqueduct Projects

At Aarsleff, we’ve built a strong portfolio of viaduct and aqueduct groundwork projects that showcase our technical capabilities and commitment. Our involvement spans a wide range of schemes, where our bespoke solutions have delivered both operational excellence and long-term value. Read more about our related groundwork projects below.

Mersey Gateway

mersey gateway work

Location: Elan Valley Aqueduct, Wales, UK

The Mersey Gateway Project featured a new six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey, connecting Runcorn and Widnes to ease congestion on the Silver Jubilee Bridge. It also aimed to develop public transport, cycling, and pedestrian links across Halton, encouraging regional investment.

Due to its size, scale and complexity, works were divided into sections, each with unique foundation demands. Aarsleff was awarded the piling contract for the Ditton Junction Bridge and Widnes Victoria Loops Viaduct, starting in June 2015, after completing test piling from late 2014 to early 2015.

Our team contributed to designing a technical solution involving a Centrum cage former and raked piles, which was uncommon in the UK civils sector but widely used in Europe. Foundations required us to install 174-no. 20m long, 350 piles at Ditton and 244-no. 21m long, 350 piles at Victoria. The work was carried out using our Junttan PM20 rigs with a 7-tonne and a 5-tonne hammer.
Due to its size, scale and complexity, works were divided into sections, each with unique foundation demands. Aarsleff was awarded the piling contract for the Ditton Junction Bridge and Widnes Victoria Loops Viaduct, starting in June 2015, after completing test piling from late 2014 to early 2015.

Our team contributed to designing a technical solution involving a Centrum cage former and raked piles, which was uncommon in the UK civils sector but widely used in Europe. Foundations required us to install 174-no. 20m long, 350 piles at Ditton and 244-no. 21m long, 350 piles at Victoria. The work was carried out using our Junttan PM20 rigs with a 7-tonne and a 5-tonne hammer.

Speak with Our Expert Team

As expert viaduct and aqueduct groundwork contractors, Aarsleff has a proven track record in delivering technically sound, cost-effective, and value-engineering solutions. Our expertise allows us to handle the most challenging ground conditions and complex structural requirements associated with elevated and water-bearing infrastructure.

Whether you require piling for viaducts, ground engineering for aqueducts, or a multi-disciplinary solution, our team stands ready to support your next project with technical excellence and proven delivery. Speak with our expert team today to discuss your project requirements.

A leading UK ground engineering specialist, focusing on multi-discipline excellence and value engineering. We design and deliver some of the UK’s largest ground engineering projects.

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

Our vision is to bring confidence to those constructing the landscape of tomorrow .

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

1947. Central Jutland, Denmark. Per Aarsleff borrowed 10,000 Danish Kroner from his father’s life insurance, bought an excavator, and founded Northern Europe’s leading contracting company.

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

Our biggest asset, our team is composed of the leading experts in ground engineering. Working with collaboration and cohesion at the core of our business, we can guarantee a quick and founded answer to all your questions.

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We recruit and reward our people based on our ‘Step into the Blue’ company culture, where we embrace the core values of Life and Health, Trust, and Responsibility.

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

We do everything to ensure our team and yours work safely on our sites. With our core value of Life & Health, we see safety as a cultural pillar.

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

Our ISO accreditations are an assurance to you that we take governance seriously. Read our policies to discover more.

An Aarsleff construction worker wearing a high-visibility jacket and hard hat on a site.

The projects that keep society running. Bridges, buildings, transit and rail facilities, embankment support, marine and offshore facilities, mines, airports, and water projects.

Close-up view of steel reinforcement cages at a construction site. A yellow KLEMM drilling rig is in the background.

Keeping things turning. Sewage Treatment Works, Waste Water Treatment Works, Wind Farms and Wind Turbines, Biomass Plants, and Power stations.

Aarsleff's Junttan PM 20HLC piling rig in operation with two workers present. Another piling rig can be seen in the background.

Meeting society’s needs. Nursing and care homes, MOD buildings, Schools and Universities, and small or large-sized residential developments.

Three piling rigs positioned on a muddy site under a blue sky. Construction workers are seen near the rigs.

Staying on the move. Remediation, bridges, and foundation work are integral to keeping the industry running smoothly.

Aarsleff worker kneeing down on one knee with a yellow piling rig and concrete piles in the background. The worker is wearing high-visibility clothing and a white hard hat.

The landscape of the marketplace. Mega-retail sheds, distribution warehouses, University accommodation, and major supermarket and household name units.

Commercial piling projects

Keeping things afloat. Ports and harbours, coastal defences, river embankments and inland waterways.

An aerial view of the Port of Hanstholm.