Steel erection starts on first HS2 bridges

Early works joint venture Laing O’Rouke/Murphy is constructing four modular bridges at HS2’s new Interchange station site in Solihull.

In total, this will require 1,130 tonnes worth of steel girders.

Sixteen of the 20m girders have been pre-assembled in the Cleveland Bridge factory as 50 tonne pairs to minimise delivery vehicles on the road.

During the week, specialist haulage equipment transported the first paired girders to the site, where they will be assembled to make a 65m single span.

Once the fully-decked bridge has been completed, the 2,750 tonne structure will be moved into its final position over the motorway.

The two modular bridges are being constructed near the site of the new HS2 Interchange station, forming new connections to a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452.

They are the first permanent structures to be built by HS2 and will span the M42 and A446 respectively, with a further two bridges to take roads over the new high speed line.

updated: 29/05/2020