The huge new twin 320m UK bridges over a major motorway | UK | News
A twin bridge is being installed over a major motorway in the United Kingdom. Engineers working on the HS2 project have reopened the M6 ahead of schedule after shifting part of the massive new viaduct across the M6. The next phase of the operation is expected to take place later this year. The 229.8m-long east deck was moved into place during the planned closure of northbound and southbound carriageways near Birmingham Airport at the end of last month.
Officials say experts have used a “fully metered” sliding technique for the first time on this project in the West Midlands, allowing the viaduct to be launched over the M6 Junction 4 slip road while also protecting traffic on the carriageway below. This new method was introduced in collaboration with National Highways with the aim of reducing operation time and “further reducing the impact on road users”.
Built in phases, the twin structures will ultimately carry HS2 trains on the motorway between London and Birmingham.
Bosses say the same west deck will be put in place next year.
HS2 added: “This was the second phase of the operation following the successful first phase in June this year.
“From Friday 26 September the team worked tirelessly to complete the slide and reopen the path from 12.30am on Sunday 28 September, nine and a half hours ahead of schedule.”
Caroline Warrington, Delivery Manager at HS2 Ltd, said: “This is a major engineering achievement on a vital part of the UK’s transport infrastructure, so being able to reopen the road early is a fantastic achievement.
“These viaducts will play a key role for the HS2 network, carrying high-speed trains across the M6 and creating better journeys for people for many years to come.”
It was first estimated in 2009 that the high-speed rail project would cost a total of £37.5 billion at 2009 prices.
But the expected cost has increased greatly since then.
The government reported in July that £40.5bn had been spent on the program by the end of April 2025.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said at the time: “There have been repeated changes to policy, scope and funding, resulting in excessive costs in ensuring environmental and planning compliance.
“This means delayed benefits and resulting cost increases HS2 it has diverted billions of pounds away from other vital transport priorities.
“This is unacceptable; the cycle of cost increases and delays needs to be broken and I am determined to achieve this.”
