A new HS2 bridge near Kenilworth is one step closer to completion following the installation of its concrete beams.
Over the last 13 weekends, 83 beams weighing over 1500 tonnes have been installed during the construction of the Carol Green rail bridge, which will carry HS2 services over the existing West Coast Main Line.
Each beam is 19 metres in length, with 81 beams weighing 18.1 tonnes and two beams weighing 33 tonnes, totalling 1532.1 tonnes. Laid horizontally, the beams form the deck of the bridge structure that will be used as part of the high-speed rail line.
They were lifted into place using a 500-tonne crawler crane.
Jack King, HS2 Project Manager, said: “It takes an immense amount of skill and precision to carry out such a challenging feat of engineering and to construct these colossal structures. We’re proud to have reached this stage of the bridge’s completion ahead of schedule, which is testament to the entire team.
“Thank you to everyone involved onsite as we continue to pave the way for Britain’s new high-speed line.”
The operation was delivered by a team of 30 people by HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), while the bridge was designed by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture.
Mark Jordan, Main Line South Regional Design Delivery Director for the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, said: “The design team is proud to collaborate with Balfour Beatty VINCI to deliver this grade separation solution that has been optimised for construction over the West Coast Main Line.
“This builds on the earlier successes of three completed grade separations under existing rail corridors completed in the past year, opening up the HS2 Main Line corridor using innovative design and construction solutions.”
Once complete, the Carol Green bridge will measure 91 metres in width and 7.5 metres in height, spanning over 20 metres. Full completion of the bridge is expected in Autumn 2025, following the installation of parapet walls and acoustic barriers.
The bridge is one of more than 500 bridging structures being built by HS2, which will stretch for a combined total of more than 15 kilometres.
Image and video credit: HS2
