HS2 complete composite bridge installation
The construction of the new Aston Church Road bridge, a critical infrastructure project for the UK’s High Speed 2 (HS2) railway, has reached a major milestone with the successful placement of the 84m-long structure above the Birmingham to Derby railway line.
The new bridge, also designed to accommodate the future HS2 tracks, was moved into its final position on the weekend of 10-11 August 2024.
The bridge was shifted into place by Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s primary contractor in the Midlands, with assistance from specialist engineering firm Mammoet. The operation was carried out during a Network Rail blockade, ensuring minimal disruption to rail passengers. The team used two 128-wheeled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) to transport the 1,600-tonne structure across a temporary matting bed laid over the existing railway tracks.
The bridge will provide an upgraded section of Aston Church Road, including cycleways and pedestrian walkways, connecting the areas of Saltley, Washwood Heath, and Nechells in north-east Birmingham. The project has incorporated local feedback, leading to design elements such as a wider pedestrian walkway, the use of weathered steel panels for an inviting appearance, and an LED lighting system designed to enhance safety while minimising light pollution.
The bridge is a composite structure, combining a concrete deck with steel girders. Reinforced concrete works were handled by MPB, one of the UK’s leading concrete specialists. In preparation for the move, 62 piles were constructed to support the bridge’s three main supporting structures. A total of 4,000 cubic metres of concrete and 490 tonnes of reinforced steel were used in the project.
Dan Binns, project manager – Saltley Area for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “There’s an enormous feeling of pride within the team after safely manoeuvering an 84m, 1,600 tonne bridge into place last weekend. “This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because the bridge needed to be driven over four existing network rail lines, requiring years of precise planning and preparation. We purposely chose to move the bridge on wheels, so it could be built offline first, then moved across in just five hours, greatly reducing the impact on rail passengers.”
The next phase of the project involves the demolition of the original Aston Church Road bridge, clearing space for the new HS2 line. Over the next 14 months, the new bridge will be connected to the existing road network, and further works will continue on the surrounding structures.
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