HS2’s complex civil engineering programme is set to shift up a gear this summer, with the project preparing to deliver its most intensive programme of motorway construction to date.
From June, three major structures will be installed over some of the busiest sections of the M42 and M6 in the West Midlands, marking a highly visible milestone as the high-speed railway begins to physically cross the strategic road network.
The programme includes the installation of a substantial twin-box structure spanning both carriageways of the M42 near Birmingham Business Park. Once complete, this will allow the HS2 railway to be constructed directly over the motorway. Elsewhere, two single-track viaducts will be extended across the M42 and M6 Toll close to Water Orton, while a twin-track viaduct will be installed over the M6 near Chelmsley Wood.
Together, these works underline the progress being made on the project, as structures that have been taking shape alongside the motorway network over the past year now begin to bridge live carriageways.
HS2 Ltd and its main works civil engineering partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), have spent more than a year planning the motorway crossings in close collaboration with National Highways. The programme has been carefully engineered to keep traffic moving wherever possible and minimise disruption for road users.
Originally planned as a six‑month programme requiring nine separate motorway closures, the construction team has significantly reduced the impact through detailed sequencing and coordination. By synchronising much of the work on the M42 twin-box structure with the Water Orton viaducts, the number of closures has been cut from nine to six.
To further reduce disruption at peak times, junction and carriageway closures will be limited to weekend windows, running from 9pm on Friday evenings through to 5am on Monday mornings.
While the motorway works represent a major step forward, HS2 acknowledges that substantial construction activity still lies ahead across the 140‑mile route between London and Birmingham.
Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd Chief Executive, is currently leading a comprehensive reset of the project, focused on ensuring the remainder of the route is delivered as efficiently as possible and at the lowest reasonable cost. Reducing disruption to communities and improving productivity remain central priorities as the programme moves into its next phase.
Image credit: HS2
