HS2 contractors have completed two significant bridge projects in the West Midlands this month. The new bridges at Saltley, Birmingham, and Balsall Common near Solihull are among more than 500 bridge structures being built as part of Phase One of the high-speed line.
Video: HS2 moves the 1,600 tonne steel and concrete bridge into place in Saltley, Birmingham in eight hours
First to be completed was the 1600-tonne Aston Church Road bridge, close to Birmingham City Centre. It’s designed to provide additional space for HS2 as it runs parallel with the line from Derby. The new bridge spans both lines.
The structure, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was built on land next to the existing bridge and moved into place over the railway during a weekend blockade overnight on Saturday August 10. The operation was carried out using two 128-wheeled self-propelled transporters.
Moving it into place over the weekend helped to minimise disruption to passengers. The railway was handed back to Network Rail five hours earlier than planned.
Steve Powell, HS2’s Head of Delivery, said: “This is another great construction milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, with our teams using the most innovative techniques to deliver feats of engineering safely and efficiently.”
With a wide walkway and space for cyclists , the bridge improves safety on this section of Aston Church Road, which connects Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells in north-east Birmingham. Powell said: “It’s a great example of how the new infrastructure we’re building for HS2 also upgrades the local road network, providing big improvements for local communities.”
August also saw the completion, after 18 months, of the Kenilworth Road bridge near Balsall Common. This is a box structure which will let the high-speed line run under the realigned A452 dual carriageway.
This colossal structure is 185 metres long, 19.5 metres wide and 13.9 metres high. It was constructed using 7,200 cubic metres of concrete and 1,800 tonnes of steel.
Work will now begin on the embankments and landscaping the surrounding area on both sides of the bridge.
HS2 pictures
Both new structures were delivered by HS2’s main works contractor in the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) along with a team of supply chain companies including Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA Design Joint Venture (MMSDJV) and heavy-lifting engineering experts Mammoet.
Comment as guest
Comments
No comments have been made yet.