HS2 completes first span installation of Saltley Viaduct, second span scheduled for October

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On September 1, HS2 (High Speed 2) confirmed that the first steel span of the Saltley Viaduct reconstruction project in Birmingham had been installed. The first span, measuring 55 meters in length, was assembled at a site adjacent to the original bridge and moved approximately 125 meters using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMT) over the August bank holiday weekend, crossing the existing Birmingham–Derby railway line before being installed in place. The affected railway lines were temporarily closed during the works and passenger services resumed as planned on September 1.

The original Saltley Viaduct crossed the B4114 road and was approximately 183 meters in length. It was closed in May this year and subsequently demolished. The new bridge is being constructed and installed by Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2's main works contractor. As the new structure needs to sequentially cross the Birmingham–Derby railway line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the River Rea, and the future HS2 high-speed railway alignment, the entire construction has been divided into multiple phases.

Following the completion of the first span, the construction team has begun assembling the second steel span, measuring 35 meters in length, which will cross the future HS2 alignment and is scheduled to be installed in October. The third and fourth spans will cross the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal and are planned for installation later in 2026; the project will also include the construction of a new bridge over the River Rea, which will form part of the realigned B4114 road.

The new Saltley Viaduct is scheduled to open to vehicles and pedestrians in November 2027. Compared with the original structure, the new bridge will be 4.5 meters wider, providing additional space for cycling and pedestrian access, and the widened pedestrian areas will also be equipped with LED lighting. HS2 also confirmed that, throughout the construction period, it will continue to coordinate with Birmingham City Council, Transport for West Midlands, and other agencies to implement road diversions and public transport arrangements.