The big new twin 320m UK bridges over a serious motorway | UK | News | EUROtoday

A twin bridge is being positioned throughout a serious UK motorway. Engineers working for the HS2 undertaking reopened the M6 forward of schedule after sliding a part of the massive new viaduct throughout the M6. The subsequent section of the operation is because of happen later this yr. The 229.8m lengthy east deck was moved into place throughout a deliberate closure of the northbound and southbound carriageways close to Birmingham Airport on the finish of final month.

Officials say that consultants used a “fully restrained” sliding method for the primary time on this undertaking within the West Midlands, permitting the viaduct to launch over the M6 Junction 4 slip street, whereas sustaining visitors on the carriageway beneath. This new technique was launched in collaboration with National Highways, in an effort to scale back the time of the operation and “further minimise the impact on road users”.

The twin constructions, that are being constructed in phases, will finally carry HS2 trains over the motorway between London and Birmingham.

An equivalent west deck is because of be pushed into place subsequent yr, bosses say.

HS2 added: “This was the second phase of the operation, following a successful first phase in June this year.

“Beginning on Friday, September 26, the workforce labored tirelessly to finish the slide and reopen the street from 12.30pm on Sunday, September 28, 9 and a half hours forward of the schedule.”

Caroline Warrington, HS2 Ltd’s Head of Delivery, stated: “This is a major feat of engineering over a vital section of the UK’s transport infrastructure, so to be able to reopen the road early is a fantastic achievement.

“These viaducts will be pivotal to the HS2 network, carrying high-speed trains over the M6 and creating better journeys for people for many years to come.”

It was initially estimated in 2009 that the high-speed railway undertaking would price £37.5 billion as a complete, in 2009 costs.

But the anticipated price has since elevated vastly.

The Government reported in July that, as of the tip of April 2025, £40.5 billion had been spent on the programme.

The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, stated on the time: “There have been repeated changes in policy, scope and funding and excessive costs incurred in achieving environmental and planning compliance.

“This means delayed advantages and price will increase incurred on HS2 have diverted billions of kilos from different important transport priorities.

“This is unacceptable; the cycle of cost increases and delays must be broken, and I am determined to achieve this.”