GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction
Esh Construction has completed two key active travel projects in Rotherham designed to make it safer and more convenient for pedestrians and cyclists to travel into and around the town centre. Known as Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor and delivered on behalf of Rotherham Council, the scheme will
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed a new era for public transport as services begin to be phased in at Belfast Grand Central Station. Bus stands at the new world class transport hub became operational this week in the first phase of opening. Set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport
Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history today as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s new world-leading and unique Gull Wing bridge. Lowestoft’s long-awaited third Lake Lothing crossing, which opened to the public on Saturday 7 September – heralds a new era of connectivity and
Balfour Beatty VINCI’s construction of HS2’s gateway to Birmingham takes a leap forward as the huge 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine (TBM) digging the first bore of the Bromford Tunnel reaches the halfway point. The 1,600 tonne TBM, named ‘Mary Ann’ – the real name of Warwickshire-born author George Eliot –
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, have been given the green light to build the UK’s first vertiport testbed for the electric air taxi industry. The application for the new vertiport
In collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, WJ Group were tasked with applying new road markings on the M6/M42 link road as part of long-term traffic management to support the construction of Phase One of the High-Speed rail network from London to Birmingham. The well-known high-speed rail project has
In a major construction operation, Balfour Beatty VINCI on behalf of HS2 has moved a 1,600 tonne steel and concrete bridge into place in Saltley, Birmingham in just five hours. The new Aston Church Road bridge, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was moved over the existing
HS2 have just revealed stunning new timelapse footage showing engineers carefully sliding a 3,700-tonne viaduct deck almost half a kilometre uphill into position near the town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire. The deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct – which stretches for 450m – was assembled in three stages, ranging from
GRAHAM has been awarded the next phase of key infrastructure works to create the eastern access into the Western Growth Corridor development for City of Lincoln Council. Leading on the design and construction, works include, the new bridge crossing Tritton Road across the existing railway line, a new signalised junction on Tritton Road including modifications to the existing Dixon Street junction and enabling works. Discussing the award, Alastair Lewis GRAHAM Contracts Director said: “We’re delighted to be leading on the next phase of works for City of Lincoln Council. The new bridge and associated works will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding area, enhancing connectivity while driving economic growth. Alastair added: “With works off the ground we’re looking forward to playing our part in this project and working collaboratively with the client and key stakeholders.” Cllr Joshua Wells, Portfolio Holder for Inclusive Economic Growth at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Western Growth Corridor is a key priority for our council, and the next phase of the development will be a crucial step toward achieving our future vision for the city. “This phase of development will fulfil our urban extension plans to improve our city’s sustainability and long-term growth for years to come. With plans to deliver thousands of new homes, Western Growth Corridor will play a transformative role in addressing Lincoln’s housing needs and driving economic prosperity for our local communities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Esh Construction has completed two key active travel projects in Rotherham designed to make it safer and more convenient for pedestrians and cyclists to travel into and around the town centre. Known as Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor and delivered on behalf of Rotherham Council, the scheme will provide Rotherham’s residents with more opportunities to undertake journeys by bus, walking and cycling in line with the active travel initiative. The Sheffield Road Cycleways project has delivered over 2km of new cycle routes on the A6178 Sheffield Road and Westgate between the town centre and the borough boundary at Tinsley. The route will provide a near seamless connection for cycling from beyond Meadowhall through to the Broom area. Maltby Bus Corridor has seen the installation of 2.8km of new bus lanes and new signalised junctions with pedestrian crossings along the 8-mile route from Rotherham to Maltby. The bus corridor will bypass areas of congestion on the A631 route into the town centre and enable faster and more reliable services, particularly those linking Maltby to Rotherham and onwards to Sheffield city centre, Magna and Meadowhall. As part of its Constructing Local strategy, Esh re-invested £1.3 million in the South Yorkshire region through responsible procurement on the Sheffield Road Cycleways and Maltby Bus Corridor project. Esh Construction also provided 479 hours of school engagement through its partnership with Better Learners Better Workers and RNN Academy for the Rotherham project. A total of 97 apprentice weeks were delivered and seven local residents were employed to work directly on the scheme. Funding for the Sheffield Road Cycleways project and the Maltby Bus Corridor was secured via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority with monies from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has welcomed a new era for public transport as services begin to be phased in at Belfast Grand Central Station. Bus stands at the new world class transport hub became operational this week in the first phase of opening. Set to be Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub, the new facility will advance the transformation of public transport with a step change in customer experience. A date for the commencement of rail services will be confirmed once the rail safety authorisation process is complete. That important and necessary process is continuing and will be finalised as soon as possible to enable train services at the new station to get underway. Public Realm work to put a clear focus on allocation of road space to pedestrians, cyclists and public transport around the station will continue in to 2025. Speaking as he opened Grand Central Station as bus services begin to operate, John O’Dowd said: “This is truly a new era for public transport here in Belfast and across the north and indeed the island of Ireland. This new flagship station is iconic as well as historic and it signals our intent in relation to our climate commitments and our focus on transport decarbonization. There is no doubt that this is an impressive facility with the space to cater for up to 20million customer journeys per year, with 26 bus stands and double the number of rail platforms from four to eight. With 200+ spaces for bicycles, we are focused on encouraging more active travel and providing passenger facilities and services that deliver an enhanced user experience. “This is an example of the importance of infrastructure and the transformative changes my department can deliver. I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on this project to make this happen and bring the vision of Ireland’s largest integrated transport hub to reality.” Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said: “We are excited to be opening this modern major transport interchange this week. With advanced customer features and integrated networks, it offers huge opportunity to grow public transport driving economic development across the region and play a major part in tacking the climate emergency. That means a better-connected future for people and communities for generations to come. “I would like to thank the Minister and his Department for the funding and the wider NI Executive for their support in designating this as a Flagship Project. “I would also like to thank the Translink team and the contractors for their commitment and dedication to get this project to this key stage”. Duane McCreadie, Project Director for Farrans Sacyr JV, said: “The departure of the first bus from Belfast Grand Central Station this weekend has been a proud moment for the FSJV team who have worked hard to deliver this first operational phase on time. “There has been a true sense of collaboration on this project since day one and we have worked closely alongside Translink, Babcock and our local supply chain to meet the challenging construction programme. This is an impressive building which has been built for the city of Belfast by local people who are invested in our region. We know that it will have wide ranging positive benefits for sustainable travel in Northern Ireland.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Thousands of Lowestoft residents made history today as they walked, wheeled and drove for the first time across the town’s new world-leading and unique Gull Wing bridge. Lowestoft’s long-awaited third Lake Lothing crossing, which opened to the public on Saturday 7 September – heralds a new era of connectivity and regeneration for the town. The new multi-million pound bridge, built on behalf of Suffolk County Council by leading civil engineering contractor Farrans, is a significant step forward for Lowestoft and promises to bring both immediate and long-term benefits to the town, its businesses and residents. Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Today is a significant moment in Lowestoft’s proud history, and it was wonderful to see so many local people being part of it. “The people of Lowestoft have waited decades for a third river crossing. Suffolk County Council promised to build it, and we have. I am delighted that we have delivered on that promise. “The Gull Wing will not only serve as a vital transport link between north and south Lowestoft, but also stands as an iconic new landmark for the town. It represents a new era of development and prosperity for Lowestoft. I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.” The bridge not only addresses longstanding issues with traffic congestion but will also act as a catalyst for economic growth, attracting new investment and positioning Lowestoft as a dynamic and forward-looking commercial centre and community. By providing another route over Lake Lothing, the Gull Wing bridge will significantly ease traffic congestion in the town centre, shortening journey times and improving journey reliability. Modern cycle and pedestrian facilities on either side will encourage more sustainable modes of transport and better connect communities on the north and south of the waterway. The bridge is expected to attract new businesses and trade to the area, create new job opportunities and to streamline logistics and transportation – laying the foundation for continued growth in the town and surrounding area for many decades to come. Tristram Browne, Project Manager at Farrans, said: “Our team is proud to have delivered the iconic Gull Wing Bridge for the town of Lowestoft. We have been able to leave a lasting legacy not only with the completion of the bridge but also through our programme of social value and stakeholder engagement. During the delivery of this project we have employed 76 local people, provided apprenticeships, volunteered on local community projects and donated significant sums to local charities. “We have brought the region on the journey of the bridge build with us, creating some memorable sights with the arrival of the bridge and bascule sections. It has been a pleasure to work on such a complex, technical project and we would like to thank the local community for their support.” A rolling road closure will be in effect on the morning of Sunday 8th September, as the Tour of Britain crosses the Gull Wing during their preliminary ride-out ahead of the final stage between Lowestoft and Felixstowe. The formal civic opening and naming ceremony for the bridge is set to take place on Tuesday 19th November. Additional details will be provided closer to the date. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty VINCI’s construction of HS2’s gateway to Birmingham takes a leap forward as the huge 125-metre-long tunnel boring machine (TBM) digging the first bore of the Bromford Tunnel reaches the halfway point. The 1,600 tonne TBM, named ‘Mary Ann’ – the real name of Warwickshire-born author George Eliot – has excavated and built 1.75 miles of the first bore of the tunnel since it started digging from a large underground box in Water Orton last year. Driving around 40 metres underground towards Washwood Heath in Birmingham, the TBM has excavated under the Park Hall Nature Reserve and River Tame and is now passing under Castle Vale. It will continue adjacent to and under the M6 before breaking through at Washwood Heath early next year. An expert tunnelling team have been working around the clock on shifts to operate the TBM, which also builds the tunnel as it excavates. A total of 20,797 concrete segments will be put in place by the machine, making 2,971 concrete rings to form the tunnel. The tunnel’s 47-metre-deep ventilation shaft at Castle Vale marks the halfway point of the TBM. The shaft, which is 18.6 metres in diameter, will feature cross passages which will eventually link to the two tunnels either side to provide ventilation, servicing and emergency access. A ‘headhouse’ will be built on top of the shaft, and the whole structure will be complete in 2027. ‘Elizabeth’, the second TBM – named after Dame Elizabeth Cadbury by local school pupils, started building the tunnel’s second bore in March 2024 and is due to finish her journey towards the end of 2025. The two TBMs will remove 1.87 million tonnes of excavated material, which is being sifted at the on-site slurry treatment plant and reused on nearby sites at the Delta Junction, where a complex network of 13 viaducts is being built. HS2 has built dedicated roads between these construction sites, including an access off the M6/M42 link roads, in order to take lorries off public roads. In preparation for the arrival of the TBMs at Washwood Heath, a huge earthworks operation has been completed by a team of 130 people to build the tunnel’s west portal, which at 22 metres below ground is the deepest of the four tunnel portals on the Midlands section of the HS2 route. The portal is at the start of a 750-metre-long cut and cover structure, which is currently being excavated and built. This is where HS2 trains will emerge from the Bromford Tunnel and travel below ground level, before raising up onto a series of viaducts through Birmingham’s industrial heartland and into Curzon Street Station. Jules Arlaud, Tunnelling Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “Reaching the halfway point on this complex stretch of the HS2 route into Birmingham is a great milestone for our 180-strong tunnelling team. “We’re looking ahead now to delivering the final stages of tunnelling and celebrating the breakthrough of both TBMs at Washwood Heath next year.” Steve Powell, HS2’s Head of Delivery said: “We’re now at peak construction in the West Midlands, and it’s great to celebrate the halfway point for the ‘Mary Ann’ tunnel drive into Birmingham. By the end of next year, both of these tunnels will be built, marking a significant step in HS2’s construction in the region. “Around 31,000 people are working on HS2, with around a third of these in the West Midlands including 615 apprentices and over 1,650 people who were previously unemployed, providing a unique opportunity for local people to learn new skills while delivering the UK’s largest construction programme.” Liam Byrne, Labour MP for Hodge Hill and Solihull North said: “The extraordinary tunnelling under Water Orton and Birmingham is a world-class bit of engineering which would have made Matthew Bolton and James Watt proud. What is more, there are now more local residents working on the project than ever before. “HS2 is going to transform the economy of Birmingham and the West Midlands and the first trains will be running in just a few years’ time. What is now needed is the same genius that there is in this power of engineering to help us figure out how to bring down costs and drive up the economic benefits to the city and to Solihull.” The specialist tunnelling teams are from UK firm Tunnelcraft, and Solihull-based Rorcon, with a total of ten apprentices including formerly unemployed people from the local area who now have jobs on the project. Once complete, HS2 services will run between London and the West Midlands on a dedicated high-speed line before linking reaching destinations further north via the existing West Coast Main Line. It will provide significantly more efficient and faster journeys, while relieving pressure on the most congested southern end of the West Coast Main Line, allowing more local and freight trains to operate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Last July after public reports of defects in the Otley Bridge walkway, Leeds City Council urgently investigated whether further repairs were necessary. After the specialist contractors inspected the underside of the current footway it found further hidden defects, leading to understand that these problems were more widespread and the decision to replace the footway. The council plan to install a temporary footbridge to allow residents with easy access to both sides of the river, whilst construction of a new footbridge takes place on the main bridge. This temporary bridge will be found a short distance to the east of Otley Bridge and link to Tittybottle Park. Otley Bridge is an ancient seven span stone bridge and Scheduled Ancient Monument, which is almost 800 years old and carries the B6451 over the River Wharfe, which links two halves of Otley town. In the 1950s a cantilevered pedestrian concrete walkway was added to improve safety, as traffic use grew. It is this walkway which is falling into disrepair with holes in the footway being covered by deck boards and rolling programme of inspections ahead of its replacement. Specialist contractor Balfour Beatty were appointed to look at solutions for bridge replacement and traffic management of the works. Initial work looked at all the options which saw pedestrians being diverted into the carriageway and single lane with temporary traffic lights for vehicular traffic. It was felt that any traffic restrictions in Otley town centre would be too disruptive, so a further contingency was developed to provide a separate temporary pedestrian crossing to enable the current traffic layout to be kept. If the council does not address the footbridge problems the deterioration will continue, with current mitigation finally becoming inadequate. This will eventually need a full closure of the walkway to pedestrians on safety grounds, and a lengthy pedestrian diversion or disruptive traffic lights to facilitate pedestrians on the road bridge. Initial activity is subjected to constraints of the site along a residential street and the geography. This will include some tree and vegetation clearance on the southern side of the river to create a temporary working area and launch site for initial piling works and to position a crane that will lift the bridge sections into place. In the park on the northern side minor works will also need to be carried out for creating a temporary abutment for the footbridge and to divert utility services. After the scheme, the council will plant several semi-mature trees for any tree which can’t be replaced like for like. The council will write to residents who live nearest the work site to further explain the works, and provide regular progress updates over the duration of the scheme. Residents and businesses will also be able to speak to the project team at the Otley Community Hub on Nelson Street, starting in September on the following day/times: Tuesday 10 – 11am and Friday 1pm – 3pm. Subject to the weather, the scheme is anticipated to be completed during autumn 2025. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “Otley Bridge is an ancient crossing in the centre of the town. For pedestrian safety we now urgently need to demolish and replace the footway to modern standards, after coming to the end of its useful life. The new temporary footbridge will allow these works to Otley footbridge to be carried out safely, with less disruption to vehicle flow across the town and which will continue to enable people to cross the river safely. “The council considered a range of options which needed to factor for disruption, cost and timing of the works limited by planning, ecology and by the Environment Agency. By starting the construction of the temporary bridge now, means that the process of replacing the existing footbridge can start in spring next year. Unfortunately, there will be the need for some short-term disruption for access and noise, as we prepare the site for construction, especially to allow crane access to the site. “Vital work like this always involves disruption and best efforts are being done to minimise any as much as possible. However, I know that it will still be inconvenient for people, and I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and patience whilst we do this urgent work. The urgency requires some short-term inconvenience to construct the temporary bridge to continue to allow this vital crossing in the town. “We will keep residents regularly updated as the works progress and have set up a website (https://otleybridge.commonplace.is/) with information about the project, along with plans and timescales. The council will work closely with our contractor to make good progress over the months ahead, working towards an expected completion of the temporary bridge in spring 2025 and access to the new Otley footbridge in late summer 2025.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire and Skyports Infrastructure, the leader in vertiport infrastructure for the advanced air mobility (AAM) industry, have been given the green light to build the UK’s first vertiport testbed for the electric air taxi industry. The application for the new vertiport to be built at Bicester Motion as part of its strategy to continue to be at the forefront of flight to welcome past, present and future technologies to its airfield, has been approved by local planning authority Cherwell District Council. The vertiport, positioned adjacent to Bicester Motion’s existing general aviation grass runways, will continue the airfield’s long history of aerospace innovation. It will include a compact 160 sq m passenger terminal which will be a critical facility for testing ground infrastructure and flight operations and will play a significant role in enabling the next generation of electric, low noise aviation in the UK. Skyports Infrastructure has partnered with Vertical Aerospace, a global aerospace and technology company pioneering zero-emissions aviation through electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. New designs have been unveiled to showcase Vertical Aerospace’s latest VX4 prototype which will be the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to fly at the Skyports vertiport. The VX4 is designed to be piloted, carry four passengers and have a range of up to 100 miles. The aircraft successfully completed its first tethered piloted flight in July and is now progressing through its robust piloted test flight programme. Vertical will use the Skyports vertiport to conduct demonstration flights and test key procedures ahead of commercial launch. The new renders have depicted the vertiport’s interior, which will be equipped with Skyports’ proprietary vertiport technology solutions, which include its Resource Management and Scheduling System (RMSS) and Vertiport Automation System (VAS). Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “This is a significant moment for Bicester Motion and the future of aviation here. The former RAF Bicester was born in a period of intense technological innovation and played its role in 1938 when the Halifax prototype L7244 flew its maiden trail flights from Bicester. “Today, we continue to welcome aircraft from all eras including new mobility technologies to provide a viable future for our historic airfield through such pioneering partnerships as Skyports. The vertiport green light enables us to continue to host such aviation innovation and advance a world where sustainable and accessible electric aviation is in reach for all, with Bicester Motion at the centre.” Duncan Walker, chief executive, Skyports said: “With the green light from Cherwell District Council, now begins the exciting stage in vertiport development: building it. The tests and trials we conduct at this facility will be instrumental to the future of quiet, electric, vertical flight. Our vertiport at Bicester Motion will facilitate important learnings and demonstrations that advance the adoption of AAM. We are proud to be playing a pioneering role in shaping the future of this exciting industry in the UK.” The vertiport is being developed as part of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium: a group of leading British aviation, technology and transportation organisations pioneering AAM in the UK, backed by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Flight Challenge. The vertiport will serve as a key node for the Consortium’s wider testing programme, including demonstration flights, ground operations, aircraft integration, and public and stakeholder engagement. Michael Cervenka, chief commercial & technology officer, Vertical Aerospace, added: “The Skyports vertiport is a critical piece of infrastructure, helping to get our VX4 aircraft up into the air and demonstrate to the world that the future of flight is electric. We’re excited to see what the UK’s first permanent vertiport will look like as we move into an important phase of the industry – making this real. The tests we carry out here in Bicester with our VX4 will advance our understanding of electric aviation and revolutionise how we travel – paving the way for zero emissions, quiet flight.” James Richmond, head of future flight, consortium lead AtkinsRéalis, said: “The vertiport living lab will go beyond demonstrating flight procedures and will validate the entire ecosystem the partners have created from the ground up. Gaining planning consent was a critical milestone and provided important learning for all stakeholders involved, helping to enable and scale advanced air mobility in the UK.” Construction is due to start in the Autumn. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, WJ Group were tasked with applying new road markings on the M6/M42 link road as part of long-term traffic management to support the construction of Phase One of the High-Speed rail network from London to Birmingham. The well-known high-speed rail project has several implications for the UK’s strategic road network, as new structures and road alterations are required to enable it to cross the road network. Through their close partnership and knowledge of each other businesses, alongside shared aims of improving road worker safety and delivery efficiency, HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd worked with WJ to utilise two of their newest innovations on this scheme, the ThermoPrint and Autonomous PreMarker. These innovations both remove operatives from the potential dangers of working on the carriageway and into the safety of the vehicle. WJ Autonomous PreMarker Owing to the project’s long-term nature and considering future traffic management changes to the road layout to accommodate construction works, the WJ Autonomous PreMarker was deployed. The WJ Autonomous PreMarker represents a significant advancement in road marking technology by dramatically enhancing safety and efficiency during the pre-marking process. Traditionally, and still primarily, this process is conducted manually, exposing operatives to significant safety risks and creating substantial inefficiencies. By integrating state-of-the-art GPS-based positioning, advanced camera equipment and sophisticated onboard computing, the Autonomous PreMarker automates this process, removing operatives from the carriageway and greatly increasing efficiency. It does this by recording the exact position of road markings at normal traffic speeds, and then accurately pre-marking before new markings are installed. During this scheme, the equipment recorded all current longitudinal markings on this section of the network, so when they come to be changed and reinstated in years to come, the data will already be available to WJ, helping to improve efficiency and ensure they are replaced precisely where they were. ThermoPrint The second innovation utilised on this scheme was the ThermoPrint, which installed 10 sets of M6 & M42 markings and arrows, delivering multiple benefits for safety, efficiency and performance. ThermoPrint is an automated road marking application machine that effectively removes the potentially hazardous, manual process of laying thermoplastic road markings by hand. This innovative technology shifts operatives from the carriageway to the safety of a vehicle cab, reducing the risks associated with working close to live traffic. Productivity is also enhanced by enabling quicker application of road markings without the need to set out before installation, reducing the time spent on site, and consequently improving project deliverable timelines. Additionally, it delivers higher retro-reflectivity, improved visibility and uniformity in application whilst its unique dotted line marking system enhances wet night performance by facilitating drainage, ensuring the marking stands proud of surface water, increasing visibility for road users. Conclusion The deployment of WJ Group’s latest innovations on the high-speed rail scheme, in collaboration with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, marks a significant step forward in enhancing road worker safety and operational efficiency. By utilising the Autonomous PreMarker and ThermoPrint technologies on the M6/M42 link road, the partnership has shown a potential future for the sector where fewer people are working on the carriageway, whilst also streamlining project timelines. These innovations demonstrate WJ Group and HW Martin’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to support the construction of the new high speed rail network, ultimately contributing to a safer and more efficient road network. As the high-speed rail project progresses, the integration of such advanced technologies will continue to play a crucial role in managing the complex demands of this infrastructure project. For more information about WJ Group, please visit: https://www.wj.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In a major construction operation, Balfour Beatty VINCI on behalf of HS2 has moved a 1,600 tonne steel and concrete bridge into place in Saltley, Birmingham in just five hours. The new Aston Church Road bridge, which is 84 metres long and 21 metres wide, was moved over the existing Birmingham to Derby railway line. It will also sit above the new HS2 tracks as high speed trains travel in and out of Birmingham. The bridge provides an upgraded, safer section of Aston Church Road including cycleways, which connects Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells in north-east Birmingham. Starting at 10pm on Saturday 10 August, it took five hours for the team to move the bridge into place, reaching its final position at 3am on Sunday morning. The operation was delivered by Balfour Beatty VINCI and their specialist bridge move contractor Mammoet, during a Network Rail blockade. The railway was handed back to Network Rail five hours earlier than planned. The technique of building the structure on land next to the existing railway and moving it into position in one operation over one weekend, significantly minimises disruption to rail passengers. Heavy lifting engineering experts Mammoet moved the bridge into place using two 128-wheeled self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) across a matting bed put down over the tracks by Pod-Trak to provide a level surface. The new bridge was designed by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and Systra working for Balfour Beatty VINCI. The design incorporates local feedback, with a wide pedestrian walkway creating enough space for cyclists, an LED lighting strategy to enhance safety, and new woodland planting around the bridge. Public feedback resulted in the stainless steel finish being replaced with weathered steel panels incorporating a perforated pattern to maximise light and views, making the bridge feel warmer and improving the pedestrian experience. Dan Binns, Project Manager – Saltley Area for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “There’s an enormous feeling of pride within the team after safely manoeuvering an 84 metre, 1,600 tonne bridge into place last weekend. “This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because the bridge needed to be driven over four existing network rail lines, requiring years of precise planning and preparation. “We purposely chose to move the bridge on wheels, so it could be built offline first, then moved across in just five hours, greatly reducing the impact on rail passengers.” Steve Powell, HS2’s Head of Delivery said: “This is another great construction milestone for HS2 in the West Midlands, with our teams using the most innovative techniques to deliver feats of engineering safely and efficiently. “It’s also a great example of how the new infrastructure we’re building for HS2 also upgrades the local road network, providing big improvements for local communities.” The composite bridge is made of a concrete deck cast over steel girders with glass reinforced plastic panels used as permanent formwork. One of the UK’s leading concrete frame specialists, MPB delivered the reinforced concrete works. To prepare for the bridge move, a 9,000m2 platform was made and 62 piles constructed to support concrete structures. Around 4,000m3 concrete and 490 tonnes of reinforced steel has been used in the construction operation. The bridge now sits on three structures – an abutment to the West of the existing rail tracks, a pier consisting of two columns on the East of the existing tracks, and an abutment to the East of the pier. In the coming weeks, all the other structures around the bridge, along with the steel assembly of the parapet panels, will be completed. Over the next 14 months, the original Aston Church Road bridge will be demolished to create the extra space for the HS2 line to pass through, and works will get underway to connect the new bridge to the existing road network Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HS2 have just revealed stunning new timelapse footage showing engineers carefully sliding a 3,700-tonne viaduct deck almost half a kilometre uphill into position near the town of Wendover in Buckinghamshire. The deck of the Wendover Dean Viaduct – which stretches for 450m – was assembled in three stages, ranging from 90m to 180m, with each one pushed out from the north abutment before the next section was attached behind it. This painstaking, eight-month long process meant that the weight of the deck increased with each push, up from an initial 590 tonnes at the start of work in January – to 3,700 tonnes by the time it reached the south abutment on Saturday. It is one of 50 major viaducts on the HS2 project – which is designed to improve connections between London, Birmingham and the North while freeing up space on the most congested southern end of the existing West Coast Main Line. During the slide, special pads covered in Teflon – a material usually found on the surface of a non-stick frying pan – were used to minimise friction between the deck and the temporary steel bearings on top of each of the concrete piers. To help maintain control, the deck – which weighs the same as 264 double-decker buses – was pushed slightly uphill, with the finish point approximately 1.8m higher than the start point. With the steelwork now in position, engineers can begin the challenging job of lowering the deck 60cm onto the permanent bearings which will support the full weight of the structure. The two-month long operation will see the steelwork above each pier carefully lowered by 20cm at a time, pier-by pier, until the whole 450m long deck settles into its final position. HS2 Ltd’s Head of Delivery, Nicola Henderson-Reid said: “The last eight months have been incredible, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in getting us to where we are today. It’s been fascinating to watch the deck slowly inch into position, and we now look forward to the next stage of the project – lowering the deck into final position and completing the complex concrete work that will support the new railway.” Once the deck is in its final position, work can begin on the concrete that will support the railway using a specially designed travelling formwork. Moving slowly from north to south, this stage is expected to take around a year and will be followed by the installation of the parapets along the edge of the viaduct. The Wendover Dean Viaduct is the first major railway bridge in the UK to be built with a ‘double composite’ structure, which uses significantly less carbon-intensive concrete and steel than a more traditional design. Instead of using solid pre-stressed concrete beams to form the spans between the viaduct piers, the hollow ‘double composite’ structure uses two steel beams sandwiched between two layers of reinforced concrete to create a more efficient super strong span. A similar approach is also being used at Small Dean, Westbury, Lower Thorpe and Turweston, which are all at an earlier stage of construction. All five viaducts are being built by HS2 Ltd’s main works contractor, EKFB – a team made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall – with the manufacture and installation of the beams being led by specialists at Eiffage Metal. EKFB’s Senior Project Engineer, James Collings, said: “The final launch for Wendover Dean viaduct marks two years of teamwork from EKFB and our supply chain partners Eiffage Metal. I am very proud of our progress and would like to thank the team for their ongoing commitment to the safe delivery of the viaduct. Over the next three months, we will see the viaduct lowered onto its permanent bearings in preparation for its concrete deck.” The last few months has also seen significant progress at HS2’s other major viaducts, including the key structures that will form the Delta Junction in North Warwickshire and the viaducts taking the railway into Birmingham Curzon Street. In total, HS2 is building more than 500 bridging structures – ranging from small road bridges to the record-breaking Colne Valley Viaduct which will become the longest railway bridge in the UK when the deck is finished later this year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
