Nine bridges on HS2 among those found by contractor to have welding defects

Nine HS2 bridges are among 12 identified by a steelworks contractor as having welding defects.

Severfield announced on Tuesday morning that the issues – all on projects that are either ongoing or completed within the last four years – could cost around £20 million to fix.

In a statement, Alan Dunsmore, Chief Executive Officer at Severfield, said the issues “all arise out of a particular bridge specification and related sub-optimal choices of welding procedures, exacerbated by limitations in the specified weld testing regime for these projects”.

He continued: “A comprehensive review is currently being undertaken by the Group, in conjunction with its affected clients, relevant industry authorities and insurers to fully understand the extent of the actions required to resolve the issue, which has not affected the safety of any operational bridges. Notwithstanding this, we are continuing our work on ongoing road and rail bridges for a variety of clients, which we are confident will meet the required specification.”

Severfield has spent £7.1m on tests and remedial works so far, but expects to incur another £13.1m of costs on eight of the 12 bridges.

HS2 has confirmed nine of its bridges – of which there are more than 500 - are amongst those affected, with welding defects traced back to one factory. It has not said where the nine bridges are.

An HS2 Ltd spokeswoman said: “We have identified a number of welding defects related to steel fabrication work undertaken by one of our suppliers. A comprehensive review has been undertaken to determine the extent of the further action required. We are working closely with the company and our supply chain to address the issue. 

“This will not impact on the safety or quality of the operational railway which is being designed to the highest standards.” 

Defects have already been rectified on several structures, with work ongoing elsewhere. HS2 Ltd said all bridges places into service are safe to use and is working with Severfield to identify the root cause.

Network Rail also confirmed it had been made aware of a construction issue with a new steel girder bridge on a freight only line in the Midlands.

A spokeswoman said: “The issue relates to the quality of some of its welded joints. While there are no operational or safety issues to be concerned with in the short or medium term, it is likely that remedial work will be needed to lengthen the predicated lifespan of some welds. We are discussing the issue with our main supplier, and their sub-contractor, to provide a suitable solution in the months ahead.”

In his letter to the London Stock Exchange, Dunsmore added that Severfield continued to “make good progress with HS2 station opportunities in the pipeline including at Birmingham Interchange”.