Engineers working on HS2 are preparing to deliver two of the project's most significant motorway-crossing operations simultaneously this summer, as construction progresses to extend the high-speed railway across the Midlands motorway network.
To reduce disruption for motorists, work on the Water Orton viaducts and the landmark M42 "twin box" structure will be carried out during the same series of weekend motorway closures in July, August and September. The programme will see all structures extended across the M42 between Solihull and Water Orton, representing a major milestone in the development of Britain's new high-speed railway.
The closures have been planned jointly by HS2 and National Highways following more than a year of detailed preparation. Depending on the phase of work, closures will affect either the northbound carriageway, southbound carriageway or both, with diversion routes tailored accordingly.
The intensive programme highlights the scale of civil engineering activity now taking place across HS2's 140-mile route between London and the West Midlands.
Twin Box Structure Takes Shape
In June, around 150 engineers began a four-phase operation to install 175 precast roof beams that will form the deck of the innovative twin box structure spanning both carriageways of the M42 near Solihull.
Once complete, the 300-metre-long structure will carry HS2 trains above the motorway while road traffic continues to pass beneath.
During the first closure, from 26 to 29 June, HS2's construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and specialist subcontractor Expanded successfully installed 50 beams. The team exceeded expectations, completing the operation seven beams ahead of schedule.
The next phase will take place from Friday 24 July to Monday 27 July, with engineers targeting the installation of a further 44 beams above the northbound carriageway before reopening the motorway at 5am on Monday morning.
Water Orton Viaduct Extensions Progress
Running alongside the twin box operation, engineers will begin extending the twin Water Orton viaducts across the motorway.
The two single-track viaducts already stretch for approximately 1,200 metres, with work now focused on bridging the remaining 135-metre gap over the M42.
Ahead of the closures, teams are assembling 108 viaduct segments beside the motorway. These will form six giant spans, each measuring 45 metres in length and weighing approximately 1,000 tonnes.
Once completed, the enormous spans will be transported into position using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), enabling engineers to install them during the limited closure periods.
During the first weekend operation, one 45-metre span will be added to each viaduct, allowing work on both structures to progress simultaneously.
Industry Reaction
Agnes Usciak, HS2 Ltd's Senior Project Manager, said:
"This summer marks the most significant programme of work yet to carry HS2 over the motorway network.
"We have a huge engineering challenge ahead of us, and our engineers will be working day and night to extend three huge structures in tandem.
"Motorists travelling on the southbound carriageway will have seen the roof deck taking shape on the twin box, and from Monday morning, the northbound carriageway transformation will also be clear to see."
Oliver Shore, Project Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said:
"We have specialist teams ready to deliver the next exciting phase of construction over the M42 motorway this weekend. Our engineers will begin the process of extending the Water Orton viaducts over the M42, while a separate team will continue to install the next set of concrete roof beams on top of our twin box structure near Solihull.
"Both of these complex operations are taking place during the same weekend to minimise disruption to motorists as much as possible."
Ian Doust, National Highways' Head of Network Planning and Development, said:
"The scale of what's being delivered in this area by HS2 and their partners is remarkable, and the careful planning with National Highways means we can keep disruption to a minimum while this major infrastructure takes shape.
"Working on the Water Orton viaducts and the twin box simultaneously during these weekend closures is a deliberate approach to protect road users from repeated disruption over a longer period.
"We'd ask drivers to plan ahead for the upcoming closures, follow the approved diversion routes rather than relying on sat nav, and allow extra time for their journeys. Checking conditions before setting off will make a real difference."
Image and video credits: HS2
