1,631-Tonne HS2 Bridge Successfully Installed in Birmingham, Ahead of Schedule

HS2 has achieved a significant milestone in Birmingham with the successful installation of a 1,631-tonne, 112-metre-long steel bridge over Lawley Middleway. The structure, part of a one-mile sequence of five viaducts that will carry high-speed trains into Birmingham Curzon Street Station, was completed four days ahead of schedule.

Rather than constructing the bridge in situ, the span was assembled on land adjacent to the Digbeth Canal over the past two years. On 15 August 2025, the bridge was rotated 90 degrees using self-propelled modular transporters. Over four subsequent nights, a specialist skidding system with a jacking push/pull mechanism positioned the structure into place. This combination of techniques, rarely used on projects of this scale, allowed for greater precision and reduced overall disruption.

To limit the impact on road users, the move was conducted during night-time closures, with the road fully reopened by 6am each morning. By taking advantage of favourable weather conditions and detailed planning, the engineering teams restored Lawley Middleway earlier than expected, with traffic resuming normal operations by 22 August instead of the planned 25 August.

The Lawley Middleway bridge is the first steel structure installed on the approach to Birmingham Curzon Street Station. Upcoming works over the next 12 months include the Curzon 2 viaduct move, additional viaduct installations at Duddeston Junction, the reopening of Aston Church Road, and the start of construction on the new Saltley Viaduct. These steps will bring HS2’s vision for a faster, more resilient rail network closer to completion.

Check out the following timelapse and drone footage video showcasing the moving of the 1631 tone steel bridge.