HS2 to carry out first “box slide” bridge installation in UK
HS2 will be installing the first “box slide” bridge of its kind over a UK motorway.
The 10,000 tonne bridge will be positioned over the M42, near Junction 9 in Warwickshire. This is set to be installed by late 2022.
This was originally designed as a traditional structure, which would have caused two years of reduced lane widths, speed limits, and weekend/night closures. Instead, a “raft” will slide the bridge into position, after it’s built on land next to the motorway.
This is also safer for the workforce, who won’t have to work on a busy motorway. The motorway closure period will also be significantly reduced to only two weeks.
HS2 to develop “green tunnels” for railway project
Innovative prefabricated “green tunnels” will be developed for HS2 by Stanton Precast.
Four miles of tunnel will be built offsite before being shipped to site and built in three locations in Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire.
Once completed, these green structures will be covered with earth and landscaped to blend in with the surrounding countryside. These green tunnels are part of the overall plan to protect the communities that live close to the railway line.
This is a double arched design that will separate into two halves for southbound and northbound trains.
This also promotes safety by taking the construction process offsite, and delivers an end-product that will benefit the surrounding environment.