The HS2 Interchange Station project in Solihull advances as 15 massive bridge beams are put into place, signalling significant progress in infrastructure development.
- A team of 20 engineers successfully executed the lifting of beams weighing a combined 565 tonnes over five days.
- These beams, essential to a new two-lane road bridge, were installed using a 650-tonne crane onto pre-existing structures.
- Manufactured by Shay Murtagh Precast, with assistance from other firms, this undertaking marks a pivotal step in the HS2 development.
- Completion of this bridge is anticipated by early 2025, with broader plans for the Interchange Station expected to invigorate the region.
In a significant milestone for the HS2 Interchange Station project, a dedicated team of engineers has successfully lifted 15 enormous bridge beams into position in Solihull. This complex operation required meticulous planning and execution, involving 20 engineers over a period of five days. The beams, manufactured by Shay Murtagh Precast, each weigh a total of 565 tonnes and were manoeuvred into place using a robust 650-tonne crane. This newly formed structure will support a two-lane road bridge, facilitating vehicle movement over the high-speed railway line and providing access to station car parks.
The installation of these pre-cast concrete beams is a noteworthy achievement for the HS2 project, representing the most substantial structure developed to date for the new station. Supported by Sian Formwork and Ainscough Crane Hire, the operation’s success is a testament to the combined efforts of various contractors. The next phase in this project involves the construction of a concrete deck atop the beams, followed by parapet walls and final surfacing, with completion projected for early 2025.
The construction of the Interchange Station is under a £370 million contract, awarded to Laing O’Rourke in 2022. Current activities include design work and site preparation by Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), HS2’s main works civil contractor for the West Midlands. The project’s timeline anticipates full construction commencement by early 2026, reinforcing its significance in enhancing regional connectivity.
Strategically located on a 150ha site bordered by the M42, A45, and A452 highways, the completed station is expected to serve as a pivotal transportation hub. It will offer easy access to key destinations like the National Exhibition Centre and Birmingham Airport through the Automated People Mover (APM), further integrating the Midlands into the national transport network.
The HS2 Interchange Station is envisioned not only as a transport hub but also as a catalyst for regional growth. Plans spearheaded by the Urban Growth Company aim to create 30,000 jobs, develop up to 3,000 new homes, and establish 70,000m² of commercial space. This infrastructure will place Solihull within a 38-minute reach of London, establishing it as a linchpin for economic expansion.
The successful placement of these bridge beams marks a crucial advancement in the HS2 Interchange Station project, promising significant regional benefits.
