The second of four modular bridges has been moved into place in just 45 minutes on HS2’s new Interchange Station
The new modular bridge will carry the A452 and form part of a major remodelling of the local road network.
It will improve the circulation of traffic around the UK’s HS2 scheme, integrating the existing network with the new Interchange Station.
The bridge move was led by engineering contractor Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor, Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture (LMJV).
Also assisting the process, a design joint venture involving WSP and Ramboll provided engineering and environmental services.
By applying advanced digital capabilities to design all elements of the structure in a virtual world, they determined that the A446 road modular bridge would be built using a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) strategy.
After building the bridge in modular sections, the final part of this process was the 128-wheel hydraulic platform taking just 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was lowered onto the DfMA abutment shells to complete the overall bridge structure.
Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures.
‘24 hours ahead of schedule’
David Bennett, delivery director at HS2, said: “As work ramps up at one of HS2’s largest construction sites, it was fantastic to see this next milestone achieved so quickly.
“It was finished 24 hours ahead of schedule and follows hot on the heels of the installation of the bridge over the M42 in August, which was also completed early.
“We’re pleased to see innovations like this on the project dramatically reducing environmental impacts and disruption for road users.
“With construction of the railway now well underway, 22,000 jobs being created and an estimated 400,000 supply chain contracts available, HS2 is playing a pivotal role in helping Britain’s economic recovery.”
Jon England, project director at DJV, commented: “Our successful partnership approach has led to the design and construction of HS2’s first permanent bridges including one over the M42, the A452 bridge over the A446, as well as two other bridges over what will be the main HS2 railway line adjacent to the new HS2 Interchange Station.
“We are proud that through collaboration with LM JV, Highways England and local authorities, the application of 3D modelling techniques to align highways, earthworks, structures and utilities with the existing infrastructure and the innovative use of offsite manufacturing and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly techniques, we were able to safely deliver on this ground-breaking project.”
‘The future of bridge design and delivery’
Richard Fairhurst, LM senior project manager, added: “Digital design, offsite manufacturing and modular components are the enablers of innovative construction methodology – they bring greater efficiency and safety to major infrastructure projects like this, and importantly, can save months on delivery schedules.
“That’s great news for clients, stakeholders and local communities alike. This is the future of bridge design and delivery.”
