HS2 Sublot 8 Fulfen Wood
Lichfield
Byrne Bros were part of the team that removed a section of West coast mainline railway to install a new bridge. During the blockade the WCML was shut on the Trent Valley section between Stafford and Rugby. There are up to 70 trains per day on this line that were reliant on the blockade reopening after 9 days. HS2/Balfour Beatty Vinci/Byrne Bros carried out the UK’s heaviest bridge drive to install an intersection overbridge.
The RC bridge is a 56 metre long and 19-metre-wide structure that will allow Britain’s new high-speed railway to pass beneath the busy existing railway line.
The 6,200-tonne concrete structure was built offline adjacent to the WCML from January to May. It was manoeuvred into place on self-propelled modular trailers.
BBF poured 1000m3 of concrete behind the abutment walls prior to the technical backfill activity, to build up the embankment to the existing level for the West Coast Main Line.
10 robust kerbs, designed to contain derailed trains, have been lifted into position, demonstrating a high level of professionalism when working in close proximity to existing overhead line electrification.
The 6 remaining precast parapets have been stitched onto the deck, providing edge protection for the overbridge.
Overall the blockade has shown great co-ordination between all parties involved and collaboration to hand back the rail on time to allow passenger and freight trains to resume service on Monday morning.
