Birmingham, U.K. - Victor Buyck Steel Construction, in collaboration with HS2’s main works contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has successfully completed the first phase of a landmark engineering feat: sliding the initial section of a 320-metre-long viaduct into place over the M6 near Birmingham Airport.

This viaduct will eventually carry high-speed trains across one of the UK’s busiest motorways, forming a crucial part of the HS2 network. The operation, executed with precision and minimal disruption to motorists, marks a significant milestone in the construction of this transformative infrastructure.

Over the weekend, the ‘East Deck’ of the M6 South viaduct was slid 119 metres across a slip road adjacent to the motorway. To minimize traffic impact, the deck is being assembled beside the motorway and launched in stages over three weekends. Each segment is pushed forward before the next is added, gradually increasing the structure’s weight from 1,300 tonnes to a final 3,290 tonnes.

This innovative approach includes pre-cast concrete deck slabs atop the steel framework, allowing the viaduct to be launched with its deck units already in place—further reducing the need for motorway closures.

The East Deck will carry two tracks for trains heading to London, while a parallel ‘West Deck’—scheduled for launch next year—will support two tracks for services bound for Birmingham and beyond. Both decks are supported by four pairs of concrete piers, with the tallest reaching 9.9 metres.

The viaduct spans are formed from hollow double-box structures made of weathering steel, chosen for its self-protecting oxidized surface that eliminates the need for regular repainting and gives the structure its distinctive rusty appearance.

To guide the viaduct during its launch, a 36-metre-long temporary nose was installed at the front, reducing the weight of the cantilevered section and ensuring a smooth path forward. The structure was moved using strand jacks at an average speed of 12 metres per hour, gliding over non-stick sliding pads.

This complex operation is a testament to the power of collaboration. VBSC is proud to support BBV, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and VINCI, in delivering this critical infrastructure. The team is working closely with National Highways and key local stakeholders, including the NEC and Birmingham Airport, to ensure seamless execution.

The structural design has been expertly handled by BBV’s Design Joint Venture, comprising Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA.