Engineers have moved a major new bridge into place along the HS2 route in northeast Birmingham.
The new Aston Church Road bridge, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was moved over the existing line between Birmingham and Derby and will also traverse the new HS2 line.
The 1600-tonne steel and concrete bridge was moved into place in Saltley, Birmingham, in just five hours. The operation was performed during the night of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August by HS2’s main works contractor in the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and specialist bridge contractor Mammoet.
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.
“It’s also 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.”
The structure was built on the land next to the existing railway before being moved into position, which significantly minimised disruption to rail services. It is made of a concrete deck cast over steel girders with glass reinforced plastic panels used as permanent formwork. Around 4000m3 of concrete and 490 tonnes of steel were used in the construction operation.
Engineers from Mammoet moved the bridge into place using two 128-wheeled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) across a matting bed, which provide a level surface.
The bridge, which was designed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra, incorporated local feedback, with the final design featuring a wide pedestrian walkway and LED lighting, as well as a weathered steel look.
Nick McGough, Lead Architect for Balfour Beatty VINCI Design Joint Venture, said: “We’ve worked closely with the local community to incorporate feedback on design elements, which will enhance the experience for people using the bridge.
“The integrated lighting system is particularly innovative and reduces urban light pollution in a way which is sympathetic to local wildlife whilst providing enhanced light levels that will help make the bridge attractive to both pedestrians and cyclists.”
In the coming weeks, all other structures around the bridge will be completed, while the original Aston Church Road bridge will be demolished in the coming months to create space for the new HS2 line.
Image and video credit: HS2
