First phase of HS2 Saltley Viaduct lifted into place

Completion of the new Saltley Viaduct has moved a step closer following the installation of the structure’s first steel span over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines.

The replacement viaduct, which will span over new high speed rail lines, is being built by engineers (including Severfield) working for HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV).

The first 55m-long steel section was assembled on land adjacent to where the original viaduct previously stood. Once the section was assembled, it was moved a distance of 125m, using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), and installed during a temporary railway closure.

Nic Ryder, HS2 Ltd’s Project Manager for the works, said: “Our engineering team is making fantastic progress and everyone worked incredibly hard to ensure we were finished in time for the railway to reopen.

“In the three months since the road closed, they have demolished the original structure and successfully installed the first span of the replacement bridge, putting us on track to proceed to the next phase.”

Work is currently progressing on the second 35m-long span, which will cross over the new HS2 railway line. The final two sections, over the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, will also be installed later this year.