HS2 is preparing its largest motorway engineering programme yet with major bridge and viaduct construction works planned across the West Midlands this summer.
HS2 Ltd is preparing to begin its largest motorway construction programme to date this summer as major engineering works progress across the West Midlands.
The six month programme will involve construction activities over sections of the M42 and M6 motorway network as new railway infrastructure begins crossing the carriageways.
HS2 prepares major motorway engineering programme across West Midlands
According to HS2 Ltd, three major structures will be installed during the programme, including a twin box structure above both carriageways of the M42 near Birmingham Business Park.
The structure will eventually allow high-speed railway lines to pass over the motorway while vehicles travel underneath.
Additional works include extending two single-track viaducts over the M42 and M6 Toll near Water Orton alongside installation of a twin track viaduct over the M6 near Chelmsley Wood.
HS2 Ltd and construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI stated that the programme has been carefully coordinated with National Highways to minimise disruption for motorists and surrounding communities.
The original programme involved nine motorway closures but has since been reduced to six weekend closures through revised planning and construction sequencing.
Road closures will take place between Friday evenings and Monday mornings to reduce disruption during peak weekday traffic periods.
The first closure is scheduled to begin on Friday 26 June 2026.
The M42 works will involve installation of a 300 metre roof deck using 175 individual beams weighing between 56 and 92 tonnes.
The beams have been manufactured off site in Leicestershire and will be lifted into position using a 300 tonne crawler crane.
At nearby Water Orton, engineers are preparing to extend viaducts carrying future services into Birmingham Curzon Street and the Washwood Heath rolling stock depot.
The remaining viaduct sections will be prefabricated beside the motorway before being moved into place using self-propelled modular transporters.
According to HS2 Ltd, this method significantly reduces installation time while limiting the number of required motorway closures.
A separate weekend closure in August will support installation of the M6 South Viaduct West using a restrained slide process partly completed over live traffic.
HS2 Ltd said the project remains focused on minimising disruption while progressing construction across the 140 mile route between London and Birmingham.
The organisation has also worked closely with Birmingham Airport (BHX) and the NEC Group due to the importance of the motorway network for airport passengers and visitors travelling through the region.
No comments yet