The last of 2,742 large concrete segments for the train line’s most complicated network has rolled off the production line, ready to be put in place
In a landmark moment for the project, the last of the HS2 viaduct segments for the triangular network outside of Birmingham has been finished.
The segments are created offsite at Kingsbury Precast Yard, a purpose-built factory in Warwickshire.
Each segment weighs up to 85 tonnes
Each segment is pre-fabricated at the temporary factory alongside the M42, where upon completion they are transported to the construction site by the road, and are ultimately lifted into position.
The Delta Junction that these segments have been specifically made for is one of the most complicated sections of the whole HS2 line, featuring over- and underpasses carrying the trains across motorways, local roads, railways, rivers, and floodplains.
Roughly three quarters of the 2,742 segments have been installed, and the Coleshill viaduct deck assembly has recently been completed.
HS2 Ltd’s head of delivery, Caroline Warrington, said: “Casting these enormous segments on site, close to the viaducts, helps us deliver a quality product and reduce disruption for road users. It’s great to see the final segments complete and I’d like to thank everyone involved in the manufacturing process.
“With this part of the work finished, the team can begin to focus on the deck slabs for the approach viaducts which will carry the railway into central Birmingham.”
Bit by bit, the bridges are coming together
Earlier this month, a 130-metre-long bridge was slid into place for the HS2 project above the Grand Union canal, and the section of canal that was closed to the public was re-opened a full week ahead of schedule.
The bridge weighs 1,620 tonnes, and spans over a country road, the Grand Union canal, and a towpath. The slide took two days and utilised the ‘skid shoe’ method, with two hydraulic jacks pushing the bridge into place with skid-resistant pads minimising friction.
Harry Toase, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s civil engineering lead for the project said: “The team has put in a huge amount of work to prepare for the bridge installation and shown meticulous attention to detail throughout to protect the canal and nearby Grade II listed bridge.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to complete the works one week ahead of schedule and thank the local community for their patience.”
Vicki Lee, senior project manager at HS2 Ltd said: “Thanks to the hard work of our engineers and site-based teams, we’ve made good progress in this area over the last 12 months, with completion of the Long Itchington Wood Tunnel and the successful Longhole viaduct slide operation.
“There’s still a vast amount of work to do as we turn our attention to the embankments and cuttings that will link these sections of the railway ahead of track and power being installed.”
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