A 4,000 tonne bridge across the M42 near the Interchange Station construction site at Solihull in the West Midlands has been demolished as part of the construction of HS2.

In a 52-hour operation, demolition experts from Solihull-based firm Armac working on behalf of HS2’s main works contractor in the Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), demolished the bridge over the M42 which had been closed in both directions from late Friday evening, 9 February to allow time for preparations.

Starting at 7 am on Saturday, 10 February a 100-tonne excavator, seven 50-tonne demolition excavators, and numerous breaker and cruncher attachments were used for the demolition.

Excavated material was removed by six articulated dumper trucks to a local stockpile for crushing and reuse on HS2’s haul roads and work sites.

In an operation coordinated with National Highways, the demolition crew worked throughout the night and completed their demolition activities in time for the M42 between Junctions 6 and 7 to reopen at 1.30 am this morning, Monday, 12 February, three and a half hours earlier than planned.

A twin box structure 300 metres long by 25 metres wide will now be constructed, with enabling works starting in March and piling starting in August, and will be built in position whilst keeping the M42 fully open.

Alan Payne, Senior Project Manager at HS2 Ltd said: “This operation, delivered by local specialist firm Armac, is another step forward in the construction of HS2 in the Midlands. I’d like to thank the whole team for delivering the bridge demolition ahead of schedule, reducing disruption to road users.”

Oliver Shore, Construction Director at Balfour Beatty VINCI said: “The safe and successful demolition of this 4,000-tonne bridge is another huge achievement for Balfour Beatty VINCI. This was a complex operation, made even more challenging because of the limited time we had to plan and deliver this critical work. I’m really proud of how the team responded, showcasing their skill and experience in these demanding circumstances.

“It’s the second bridge removal we’ve delivered along the same stretch of motorway in just six months. Like the previous demolition last summer, every effort was made to minimise the impact on road users through careful planning and close collaboration between HS2 and National Highways.”

Noel McLean, Technical Director of Armac said: “We were delighted to work with our partners HS2 and BBV again, for the demolition of the M42 North Bridge. Our primary aim is always to complete the project safely and in a controlled operation. Thankfully, the project was completed well ahead of schedule. Another successful project from the Armac ‘Bridge Busters’ and all of the BBV team.”

Frank Bird, National Highways Senior Network Planner said: “We are delighted to have been able to reopen the motorway for the benefit of road users some three and a half hours earlier than planned and thank people for their ongoing patience since the bridge was hit last month.

“This has been a challenging task as normally a demolition such as this would be planned over many months. Instead, everyone involved was able to mobilise resources to get it down in a matter of weeks. It has been a terrific collaborative effort with HS2 Ltd and all others involved and one I am sure road users will appreciate with all lanes now open.”