HS2’s Interchange Station in Solihull has made significant progress with the careful placement of 15 massive bridge beams by a dedicated team of 20. Using a 650-tonne crane, these concrete beams were lifted onto existing abutments and piers, forming the essential structure of a road bridge that will connect vehicles to the station car parks over the high-speed railway.
Weighing a total of 565 tonnes, these beams are the foundation of a two-lane bridge that will span 63.5 m upon completion. The next phase, set to finish by early 2025, involves placing a concrete deck on the beams, followed by the installation of parapet walls and surfacing work.
This bridge is the most significant structure built so far in the new station development. HS2’s Interchange Station is expected to drive substantial growth in Solihull, fostering economic transformation. The Urban Growth Company’s plans include supporting 30,000 jobs, up to 3,000 new homes, and 70,000 square meters of commercial space.
The new high-speed station will offer convenient access to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International Station, and Birmingham Airport via the Automated People Mover (APM), an elevated mass transit system.
Located on a 150-hectare site between the M42, A45, and A452, the station will serve passengers travelling to London and northern destinations, reducing travel time to the capital to just 38 minutes.
Laing O’Rourke was awarded the contract to build Interchange Station last year, with design work currently underway. Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s main works civil contractor for the West Midlands, is preparing the site for full construction to begin in early 2026.
Last week’s complex operation, managed by BBV, was completed in just five days.
Ailsa Waygood, HS2 Ltd’s Project Client for Interchange Station, said:
“We’re very proud to mark this engineering milestone and I’d like to thank everyone involved for delivering the operation safely and precisely during particularly challenging weather conditions.
“As we approach a new phase of construction, we are excited to bring our plans for Interchange Station to life. Interchange will be transformational for the Midlands, providing new jobs and supply chain opportunities, and becoming one of the best-connected transport hubs in the UK.”
Image and Video credit: Network Rail
