HS2 bridge deck moved into place at night

A 1,631-tonne HS2 bridge deck is moved during a nine-night operation near Birmingham using a novel mix of SPMTs and skidding.

HS2 bridge span showcases heavy lift innovation

A 112m long HS2 bridge deck weighing 1,631 tonnes is being installed on Lawley Middleway in Birmingham after weeks of fabrication beside Digbeth Canal. Heavy lift specialists Mammoet will jack the deck onto two self-propelled modular transporters and rotate it 90 degrees before sliding it into final position over nine nights. The move is designed to minimize daytime disruption and keep traffic flowing when possible.

The deck is part of a one-mile stretch of five connected viaducts that will usher high speed trains from the Bromford Tunnel into Curzon Street Station. To limit impact on road users, night closures are planned with diversions in place to avoid the Birmingham Clean Air Zone. The operation will advance other works in the Curzon Approaches, including further viaduct moves, tunnel breakthroughs and the Saltley Viaduct construction anticipated over the next year.

This lift demonstrates how large urban infrastructure projects are marrying new heavy-lift methods with city living. Using SPMTs in tandem with a push-pull skidding system shows a clear focus on precision, control and schedule discipline. It is a sign that complex projects can progress without grinding urban life to a halt when planners design around residents rather than around ant backlog of approvals.

Yet the approach also tests the limits of risk management in a crowded city setting. A single misstep or a weather delay could ripple through the schedule for Curzon Approaches and Saltley Viaduct. The real test is sustaining safety, environmental considerations and public trust as more moves unfold along this corridor.

Highlights

The city watches as steel and timing redraw a path to faster rail travel.