Giant Beams Installed for A46 Box Structure as part of HS2 project

Construction of a massive 14,500-tonne box structure, designed to carry the new HS2 line beneath the A46 Kenilworth Bypass, has reached a significant milestone.

Over 120 colossal concrete beams, ranging from 13 to 24 metres in length, have been lifted into place by three giant cranes to form the top of the structure. The operation was completed by engineers ahead of schedule in  just 14 days.

To minimise disruption to traffic, the box is being built off-site and will later be slid into position under the A46 using a unique jacking mechanism. Despite the use of the jacking mechanism, HS2 and its partners can not avoid road closures as it also confirmed that the road in the area will be closed for two weekends in February, over the weekends of February 7 and February 14.

Vicki Lee, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: "We understand that road closures can be disruptive, and we thank motorists in advance for their patience. This work is crucial for the safe and efficient delivery of the HS2 project."

John McNiffe, the project director for HS2 partner Balfour Beatty VINCI expressed his pride at the planning of the operation.

“This 14-day operation required huge amounts of planning and precision and I’m really proud of the way they’ve responded to this challenge.”

Meanwhile, Siemens Mobility has secured four contracts worth £560 million to deliver various rail infrastructure projects as part of the Rail Systems Alliance. Siemens Mobility will be responsible for the implementation of trackside Automatic Train Operation over ETCS Level 2. Once implemented, it will be the first time a high-speed rail network has used semi-automatic train operations.

It will also be responsible for engineering management, operational telecoms and in partnership with Costain Ltd., high voltage (HV) power supply systems for the 139-mile route.

Rob Morris, Joint CEO, Siemens Mobility UKI said: “HS2 is going to transform rail travel in Britain, and we’re delighted to be playing a key part in delivering it.”

“Our work for HS2 will help in sustaining British jobs and skills from our UK based workforce, and in our 2,500 strong supply chain.”

“We’re already committed to investing £100 million in a brand-new digital engineering, manufacturing and research and development centre in Chippenham which will now play a key role in delivering HS2.”

The contracts are due to start this year and Siemens Mobility confirmed it was in addition to the £47 million contract it was awarded last year by HS2 to deliver the station information systems for the line.