The construction of HS2’s viaducts at River Tame West has utilised a specialist cantilever structure for the first time in the UK
HS2’s viaducts at River Tame West have utilised a cantilever structure, a first in the UK.
The single tract viaduct is 472m long, and is the first span in the region ready for HS2.
The cantilever structure is a UK first
Construction started in 2023, and the the giant cantilever structure was built in 2024. It stands at 22m tall, with a 14m high swivel crane. The intent is to use this structure for the rest of the River Tame West viaducts for HS2.
The viaducts cross the River Tame, taking the train over the Birmingham to Derby railway.
The HS2 plan is on track
The cantilever structure is used to place the concrete segments of the viaducts into place. Post-tensioning tendons are then stressed in order to keep the structure in place and allow the temporary cables to be removed.
This process was created by the former Campenon Bernard, now part of VINCI construction.
With a team of 40 working on the viaducts from HS2’s West Midlands contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI, 2,500 concrete segments will be used using this specialist cantilever technique. The project will be ready to go on to the next stage, consisting of 90km stretching between Long Itchington to Staffordshire, in 2026.
Balfour Beatty VINCI section manager, Nicolas Gallone, said:
“We’re using a specialist construction method to build the River Tame West Viaducts – a technique which has never been used in the UK before. It’s a significant moment for Balfour Beatty VINCI, the HS2 project and the construction industry in this country.
“This post-tensioning technology, pioneered by VINCI, is used on other major construction projects around the world. Now, it’s helping us to deliver these complex viaducts and overcome engineering challenges along the way, including existing waterways and utilities.”
