HS2’s Interchange Station in Solihull is taking shape after a 20-strong team lifted 15 huge bridge beams into position.
The beams were hoisted into place onto existing abutments and piers using a 650-tonne crane to form the ‘building blocks’ of a road bridge that will take vehicles over the high-speed railway and onto the station car parks.
The beams weigh a collective total of 565 tonnes and are the foundation of the two-lane bridge, which will stretch 63.5 metres once finished.
Due to be completed in early 2025, the next phase of construction will see a concrete deck placed on top of the beams, before parapet walls are installed and surfacing work can take place.
It represents the most significant structure yet built as part of the new station development.
The contract to build Interchange Station was awarded to Laing O’Rourke last year, with work currently underway on design.
HS2’s main works civil contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), is currently preparing the site where the new station will be built and carrying out preliminary civil engineering work – ready for full construction to start in early 2026.
Maddy Belgrove, Site Sub Agent for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “HS2’s Interchange Station is really beginning to take shape, now we’ve safely and successfully lifted the 15 bridge beams into place.
“This five-day operation required a huge amount of planning and precision, and I’m really proud of the way the team has responded to this challenge, especially during the recent bad weather.”
