Following on from the latest chapter in the construction of HS2, a large box bridge structure which is being built in Warwickshire is now approaching its final stages before completion.

Over a period of 14-days, 120 concrete beams of varying lengths were been lifted into place by cranes and secured into place, which involved a 24/7 operation and was completed ahead of schedule.

The structure is being built on what will be the track bed for HS2s running lines, situated below an embankment that carries the A46 Kenilworth Bypass.

Once the bridge is complete, it will be jacked into place into place below the roadway.

Moving at 2.5 metres an hour over a total distance of 64 metres. specialist civil engineering company Freyssinet, will have the honours’ moving the bridge into place.

Top prepare for the move Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2 Ltd and National Highways are jointly finalising the plans, so that the most minimum disruption takes place while the bridge is moved.

Unfortunately for motorists this will involve closure of the section of the A46 for two weekends in February while the last of the preparation work takes place.

The A46 between Festival Island (Coventry) and Thickthorn Island (Kenilworth) will be closed from 8 pm on 7 February to 6 am on 10 February and from 8 pm on 14 February to 6 am on 17 February.

While later in the spring the same section of road will be closed for a full three weeks while the bridge is moved into place.

Road signs will be in place to aid motorists on their diverted journeys, while HS2 engineers will work on drainage works and realign the central reservation along with replacing the road safety barriers.

A community drop-in has been arranged at the Kenilworth Centre on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, between 2 and 7 p.m. so that local residents can seek advice about the A46 works and diversion routes, HS2 activity, and construction progress in the local area.

“I’d like to congratulate the entire site team for successfully moving such a large number of beams into place and as we approach the final phase of the A46 box’s construction.

“I also thank motorists in advance for their patience as we prepare for the box push in spring and start our initial stage of preparation work during two February weekend closures of the road. This will allow us to carry out important work directly on the carriageway that would be unsafe for our workforce to do during live traffic.”

Vicki Lee, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd

This is just the one of the many hundreds of construction projects going on along the route of what will be Britain’s second high speed line.

Last month Tunnel Boring Machines started tunnelling from Old Oak Common to London Euston.

The number of people currently employed on the construction of HS2 stands at 31,000, this project is bringing much needed employment to the West Midlands and along the route down into the capital.