HS2 is preparing to begin a bridge replacement programme in East Birmingham as work continues on infrastructure needed for the high-speed rail route into the city.<\/p>\n
Saltley Viaduct, located around two miles North East of Birmingham city centre, will close to vehicles and pedestrians from 10 May ahead of demolition and reconstruction works expected to take up to 18 months.<\/p>\n
The existing structure, which carries the B4114, will be replaced with a new bridge two metres higher and around 4.5 metres wider, creating space for the HS2 line beneath while also improving facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.<\/p>\n
The engineering scheme is being delivered by HS2\u2019s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV).<\/p>\n
Work will be carried out in phases because the viaduct crosses the Birmingham to Derby railway line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal and the River Rea.<\/p>\n
Saltley Viaduct is the second major bridge project to be undertaken in the Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells area, following the opening of the new Aston Church Road overbridge earlier this year.<\/p>\n
HS2 said it has worked with Birmingham City Council and Transport for the West Midlands to establish diversion routes for motorists, pedestrians and public transport users during the closure.<\/p>\n
Victoria Roberts, HS2\u2019s Senior Engagement and Interface Lead for the West Midlands said: \u201cWe thank local communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction works and ask people to familiarise themselves with the approved diversion routes that will be put in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs some bus services will be rerouted, we\u2019ve worked closely with Transport for West Midlands to ensure additional temporary stops and extra services will be put in place. If you live or work in the area, please check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.\u201d<\/p>\n
Utility diversions beneath the bridge have already been completed, with final preparations now under way before demolition starts.<\/p>\n
Rail passengers are also being advised of changes to services between Birmingham and Derby over two weekends in June, when engineers remove part of the viaduct above the railway line.<\/p>\n
Further phases will include canal closures during summer works, before the new bridge structure is installed in sections using cranes and self-propelled transport equipment.<\/p>\n
Dan Binns, senior project manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI said: \u201cWe\u2019re preparing to demolish two major bridges, including the existing Saltley Viaduct and install a new, larger structure in its place. Delivering this construction programme in such a busy and confined space is a huge challenge, which has required a great deal of planning. We\u2019re incredibly grateful to those affected for their continued patience and understanding, while we deliver these essential works.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A key route will shut next month as an 18-month programme gets under way to make way for the high-speed line<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":266702,"featured_media":2111176,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[128805,47996],"coauthors":[127717],"class_list":["post-2111175","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-infrastructure","category-transport","tag-featured-story","tag-greater-birmingham"],"yoast_head":"\n