Birmingham, U.K. - Exciting news from Birmingham: this past weekend, we successfully completed the second and final launch of HS2’s "M42/M6 Motorway Link East Viaduct".

On Saturday 20 April 2024, the motorway under the bridge was closed off for traffic, and after a final check of the structure was carried out and a detailed briefing was given, everyone proceeded to their workstations, and the launch operation began.

By the end of the day, we launched 65 meters, after which the launching nose was removed from the bridge. By removing the launching nose before the end of the launch, the concrete works of the abutment could already be completed beforehand. Which results in a significant time saving on the overall programme.

The next day, the bridge was pushed an additional 19 meters to its final position, which was completed around noon.

However, the operation wasn't over yet, as we still had to remove the temporary works and install the permanent supports on the pier in the central reservation. These works were also carried out during the road closure to avoid additional closures later on and as such minimizing the impact on the motorists using the M42/M6 Motorway Link roads. On Sunday evening, the roads were opened again to the public 10 hours ahead of schedule.

The next few weeks we will do the final works on the East Viaduct by jacking it down to its final level and installing the permanent bearings on all piers and abutments. Simultaneously, we start working on the adjacent M42/M6 Motorway West Viaduct. This viaduct will also be launched over the motorway later this summer.

Some facts and figures:

• Launched tonnage: 1,100tonnes (steel + concrete slabs)
• Launched distance: 84 meters
• Average speed, including removing and replacing transversal blockings: 6,5 m/hour

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this achievement. It's a remarkable milestone of which we are once again immensely proud!

Victor Buyck Steel Construction is fabricating, delivering and installing the new HS2 M42/M6 Motorway Link Viaducts on behalf of HS2's main works contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci JV (BBV) as part of the new High Speed 2 (HS2) Railway.

We wish to extend our gratitude for the excellent collaboration and for their trust in VBSC.

External links:

• https://mediacentre.hs2.org.uk/news/in-pictures-and-video-hs2-moves-1-100-tonne-viaduct-in-weekend-operation
• https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2024/04/24/contractors-jack-1100t-viaduct-into-place-in-13-hour-operation/
• https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-engineers-jack-1100t-viaduct-into-place-over-m42-and-m6-link-roads-24-04-2024/