Giant new HS2 bridge in place over M42
Work to install a 65-metre bridge spanning the width of the M42 was completed in just two days and ahead of schedule.
The motorway reopened to road users on Sunday, 22 hours earlier than planned.
The works near Interchange Station move Solihull a step closer to the arrival of HS2, Britain’s new high speed railway.
The 2,750-ton bridge structure was carried along the motorway on a self-propelled modular transporter by specialist engineering contractor Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor LMJV.
The 448-wheel transporter took one hour and 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was fixed to a composite concrete deck to complete the overall bridge structure.
Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures, engineers said.
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston was joined by Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, to observe the bridge being moved into place.
Mr Thurston said: “This new road bridge is the first permanent structure to be installed along the route of Britain’s new railway. Today represents an important milestone for the project and the West Midlands region – which is already benefiting from thousands of jobs and renewed investment as a result of HS2.
“Constructing the bridge off site and using innovative engineering practices to install it over the motorway enabled us to carry out the work in just two days, keeping disruption to a minimum for road users”.
The successful installation marks the completion of the first of four bridges to be built close to the new Interchange Station. It will form part of the major remodelling of the regional road network to improve the circulation of traffic around the HS2 railway line and connect the existing road network to the new Interchange Station.
Mr Street said: “Seeing major construction activity like this in Solihull is hugely encouraging as it shows HS2 is now truly underway. In just a few years, the HS2 station at Interchange and further investments in public transport will help make Solihull one of the best connected places in the UK.
“Today’s work also comes at a critical time for the West Midlands, as we look to bounce back economically from the coronavirus crisis. Major infrastructure projects like HS2 have a critical role to play as they help stimulate demand and create and secure local jobs for local people”.
Once complete HS2 will bring the West Midlands within an hour’s commute of Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, York and London, making it one of the most connected parts in the country.
