HS2 engineers are ready to start a major construction programme in Saltley, two miles north-east of Birmingham city centre, to facilitate the arrival of new high-speed rail services.

Saltley Viaduct, which spans a 183-metre section of the B4114, will close to vehicles and pedestrians on 10 May, ahead of a four-stage demolition programme. It will be replaced with a new structure, two metres taller, to allow the high-speed railway to be built below.

The complex operation - which will take up to 18 months to complete - is being led by HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV).

The works will be conducted in stages as Saltley Viaduct spans the Birmingham and Derby rail line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal and the River Rea. The demolition and construction programme has been meticulously planned to minimise closures and impacts on all three assets.

Saltley Viaduct is the second major road bridge to be reconstructed in the Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells area. The new Aston Church Road overbridge opened to vehicles and pedestrians earlier this year and will now form an essential part of the diversion route during the Saltley Viaduct works.

HS2 Ltd and BBV have worked closely with Birmingham City Council and Transport for the West Midlands throughout the planning stages, and extensive efforts have been made to establish safe and effective diversion routes – whether travelling by public transport, private vehicle, or on foot.

Victoria Roberts, HS2’s senior engagement and interface lead for the West Midlands, said: “We thank local communities for their patience ahead of this next stage of construction works and ask people to familiarise themselves with the approved diversion routes that will be put in place. 

“As some bus services will be rerouted, we’ve worked closely with Transport for West Midlands to ensure additional temporary stops and extra services will be put in place.

“If you live or work in the area, please check before you travel and allow extra time for your journey.”

A vast network of utilities, concealed beneath the existing Saltley Viaduct, has already been rerouted ahead of works commencing and engineers are now in the final stages of planning.

During the first phase of works, there will be changes to rail services between Birmingham and Derby for two weekends, from 6-7 June and 13-14 June, while engineers demolish the former Aston Church Road overbridge and a section of the Saltley Viaduct directly above the railway line. Passengers are being advised to plan their journeys in advance.

The remaining east and west sections of Saltley Viaduct – which cross the River Rea and the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal - will then be demolished. The canal will close to narrowboats and pedestrians from 14 July to 17 August, between Roving Bridge 97 and the M6 Viaduct at Salford Junction, while these works take place. A pontoon will be installed to facilitate access during the works and HS2 has worked closely with the Canal & River Trust to communicate the planned diversion route via the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal using Aston Locks.

The bridge’s new superstructure will be installed in sections, using two different construction methods.  The span over the railway line will be fabricated on-site and then driven into position using a heavy-lift platform vehicle, known as a Self-Propelled Modular Transporter. This reduces the installation time and allows segments to be pre-assembled away from the structure due to space restraints.  The remainder of the deck will be completed in sections, with cranes lifting the steelwork into position.

Once complete, the new Saltley Viaduct will be two metres higher than the current bridge, and four and a half metres wider, to provide additional space for cyclists and pedestrians.

Dan Binns, senior project manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI is leading this complex civil engineering programme. He said: “We’re preparing to demolish two major bridges, including the existing Saltley Viaduct and install a new, larger structure in its place. Delivering this construction programme in such a busy and confined space is a huge challenge, which has required a great deal of planning.

“We’re incredibly grateful to those affected for their continued patience and understanding, while we deliver these essential works.”

The Saltley Viaduct design enhancements mirror the works that have taken place at Aston Church Road, with both new bridges delivering significant design and safety improvements, including wider walkways and LED lighting on the weathering steel panels.