A major engineering milestone has been reached in the construction of the High Speed 2 (HS2) rail project.
- The Edgcott Road bridge in Buckinghamshire saw the installation of nine massive steel beams.
- In Kenilworth, 83 beams were successfully installed for the Carol Green rail bridge.
- Both projects showcase innovative engineering techniques and collaboration.
- Completion of these bridges is crucial for the ongoing HS2 development.
The High Speed 2 (HS2) project marked significant progress with the successful completion of key beam lifts in Buckinghamshire and Kenilworth. This advancement highlights the project’s commitment to enhancing the UK’s railway infrastructure.
The Edgcott Road bridge in Buckinghamshire witnessed the installation of nine massive steel beams that will form the main structure of the bridge. These beams were lifted using a 650-tonne crawler crane over four days. The bridge spans 112 metres and will carry Edgcott Road across the new high-speed railway along with an existing freight line. The steel beams, made of weathering steel with a natural russet brown colour, weigh a total of 610 tonnes and are supported by two 6.8-metre-high concrete piers and abutments on either side. This bridge replaces an older, smaller bridge, allowing for the potential future use of the freight line for passenger trains.
In Kenilworth, the Carol Green rail bridge saw the installation of 83 beams, weighing over 1,500 tonnes, over 13 consecutive weekends. Utilising a 500-tonne crawler crane, these horizontal beams, collectively forming the bridge deck, measure 19 metres each, with two of them being 33 tonnes. This operation required immense skill and precision, a testament to the expertise of the team involved. The bridge will ultimately handle the new high-speed rail line, temporarily serving as a haul road for construction vehicles, reducing traffic in surrounding areas. Once operational, the structure will facilitate the HS2 railway passing diagonally over the existing West Coast Main Line.
HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Hugo Rebelo, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Edgcott Road bridge, citing future upgrades for local passenger trains as a possibility. Jack King, another HS2 project manager, praised the team’s skill and precision in the construction of the Carol Green rail bridge, underscoring the remarkable achievement of completing this phase ahead of schedule.
Overall, these engineering accomplishments represent pivotal steps in the advancement of the HS2 project, setting the stage for future development.
