HS2 construction progresses with significant foundation work on the A38 overbridge in Staffordshire.
- A temporary 320-metre stretch of the A38 was constructed to facilitate piling operations.
- The Rykneld Street bridge is the last of three bridges being constructed to enable HS2 passage under the A38.
- Collaboration among HS2, BBV, and National Highways aims to minimise traffic disruptions.
- Completion of piling is anticipated by late 2025, with the bridge enabling improved connectivity.
The joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Vinci (BBV) has commenced foundational work on the Rykneld Street bridge, designed to allow HS2 to pass beneath the A38, near Lichfield in Staffordshire. This development necessitated the construction of a temporary 320-metre section of the A38 to provide access for essential piling operations.
BBV, in partnership with SB3 – consisting of Bachy Soletanche and Balfour Beatty Ground Engineering – is undertaking a series of extensive engineering tasks in the vicinity. This project, within a 455-metre cutting, includes building two additional bridges to facilitate HS2’s integration with existing infrastructure. The Rykneld Street bridge represents the final piece in this trio of retaining structures at Streethay.
HS2 has highlighted the collaborative approach adopted to maintain traffic flow amid this intricate engineering operation. Expert teams are working directly beneath the A38, employing 88 piles, each between 20 and 27 metres deep, to establish a sturdy foundation for the bridge. Following the completion of piling and bridge deck installation set for late 2025, the A38 will be realigned to its original path, allowing the high-speed rail line to traverse underneath uninhibited.
Approximately 750,000 cubic metres of earth will be excavated during this endeavour, with plans to repurpose the material as embankments along the HS2 route. Traffic management strategies are phased to mitigate disruption, supported by coordination between HS2 and National Highways.
Hitesh Mistry, representing the engineering design by Mott MacDonald and Systra joint venture, expressed satisfaction at overcoming complex challenges through teamwork. BBV project manager Zachary Walker acknowledged the progression to a pivotal phase, focusing on the foundation of the final bridge. David Perry of HS2 emphasised the intricate nature and cooperative effort required for such proximity to active roadways.
National Highways’ David Patmore assured public efforts to minimise disruption, thanking local communities for their patience. The Rykneld Street bridge project exemplifies large-scale engineering and meticulous planning that characterise HS2’s ongoing expansion.
The completion of the Rykneld Street bridge foundations marks a significant milestone in HS2’s infrastructure expansion, reinforcing collaborative engineering efforts.
