900 Tonne HS2 bridge installed in 45 mins (Video)
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The huge HS2 bridge weighing 900 tonnes has been years in the planning but took just 45 minutes to install, the Laing O’Rourke and Murphy joint venture completed a major HS2 milestone this weekend driving the modular bridge into place over the A446 in Solihull.
The bridge was pre built in modular sections, a 128-wheel hydraulic platform took just 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150m, where it was lowered into its final resting place on the abutment shells.
The bridge move was led by specialist engineering contractor “Expanded” for the enabling works contractor LMJV.
Old traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures.
LM Senior Project Manager Richard Fairhurst commented saying: “Digital design, offsite manufacturing and modular components are the enablers of innovative construction methodology – they bring greater efficiency and safety to major infrastructure projects like this, and importantly, can save months on delivery schedules.
“That’s great news for clients, stakeholders and local communities alike. This is the future of bridge design and delivery.”
Durham-based Cleveland Bridge manufactured and supplied 220 tonnes of steel girders for the bridge, while Expanded’s off-site manufacturing factory in Nottinghamshire provided 80 precast concrete modular abutment blocks.
Also supporting the hi-tech process, a design joint venture involving WSP and Ramboll provided engineering and environmental services.
