The beams for the box structure have been installed, and the final phase will lead to the the installation under the A46
The HS2 Kenilworth Bypass box structure consists of 120 beams in a 14,500-tonne structure.
The structure is being built on land next to the A46, intended to be installed under the bypass on completion to minimise disruption times.
The HS2 Kenilworth Bypass structure is in the final phase of construction
The structure will carry the HS2 line under the A46 in Warwickshire, and was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.
The beams used in its construction range from 13-24 metres in length, and were placed using three large cranes. Now the deck on top of the beams will be built, along with the parapets.
Once completed, the structure will be pushed to its position under the A46 using a jacking mechanism by Freyssinet. This system will then guide the box on a raft over 64 metres at 2.5 metres-per-hour.
Preparation for this move are already being worked on, with the relevant section of the A46 planned to be closed for two weekends in February, then a full closure is planned in Spring 2025.
In February, engineers will upgrade safety barriers, adjust the central reservation layout, and finish drainage works.
Balfour Beatty VINCI has is working hard on HS2
In November 2024, Balfour Beatty announced the milestone of having poured over half of the concrete needed for HS2 in the West Midlands. The concrete being used is low-carbon, using many secondary materials to lower the emissions of the mixture, such as furnace slag, while also increasing the strength of the concrete.
John McNiffe, project director at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “The safe and successful installation of 120 giant beams is another great achievement for the Balfour Beatty VINCI team delivering this box bridge slide in Warwickshire. This 14-day operation required extensive planning and precision, and I am incredibly proud of how the team rose to the challenge.
“The next stage involves constructing the deck and installing parapets before the bridge is moved into position under the carriageway, enabling HS2 trains to pass underneath.”
Vicki Lee, senior project manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “I’d like to congratulate the entire site team for successfully moving such a large number of beams into place 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 initial preparation work during the February weekend closures. These closures allow us to carry out important works directly on the carriageway, which would be unsafe to undertake during live traffic.”
David Patmore, network planner for National Highways, added: “Our primary concern is that works on our network cause minimum disruption for road users while ensuring the safety of both the workforce and those using our roads.
“We work closely with HS2 and its partners and welcome the innovative techniques being used to minimise disruption while delivering such a major, complex project. It’s good news that works are progressing so well, and we are grateful for drivers’ patience as the scheme moves towards the box push in spring.”
Tim Akers, engineering manager for the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, which is part of Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Design Joint Venture, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the part we’ve played in the development of this structure. Significant collaboration between HS2, National Highways, and Balfour Beatty VINCI allowed the design to evolve from a traditional ‘top-down’ approach to an offline construction method, with rapid and safe automated installation that reduces the impact on road users.”
