Latest news with #viaduct
BBC News
5 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
M6 slip road at Birmingham to close for HS2 viaduct operation
The first section of a viaduct which will eventually carry the HS2 railway over the M6 is being moved into place this southbound exit slip road at junction 4 near Birmingham Airport will be closed between 05:00 BST on Saturday to 22:00 BST on Sunday, although HS2 said traffic on the main motorway carriageway would not be the 119m (390ft) structure is in place, work will begin on building the next section, which will be moved into place at a later Ltd's Senior project manager Liam Kenny said it was "a big moment" in the construction of the railway. A series of winches will slide the viaduct over the slip road using non-stick pads - made of a material similar to a household frying pan - at a speed of 6-8m (20-26ft) an hour."Once the first launch is complete, we'll move on to assembling the next section of the viaduct," Mr Kenny said."This will be attached to the back of the viaduct before the second phase launch is ready to commence, this time across the motorway."He said he expected the next section of the viaduct to be moved into place in the autumn. The viaduct - known as the East Deck, and which will carry two tracks to London - is one of two which are being constructed next to the complete, they will each be 320m (1,050ft) Kenny said work on the West Deck, which would carry another two northbound tracks, would begin next year."I'd like to thank drivers for their patience during these vital works, and thank our staff involved in this incredibly complex operation," he added."Of course, if we get the work done quicker than expected, we'll open the slip road early." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- BBC News
Victorian viaduct upgrade aims to improve reliability of rail
The upgrade of a viaduct in Cornwall will improve the reliability of rail travel in the county, Network Rail has has been undertaken on Ponts Mill viaduct, near St Blazey, to strengthen the 152-year-old structure, which carries the Newquay branch line over the River a planned closure in March, the timber decks of the bridge were replaced with steel decks, the bridge girders were strengthened, and the rails, sleepers, and ballast were replaced, Network Rail upgrade is a part of a £56.8m rail project aimed at connecting Cornwall's coasts. In recent months, a 10mph (16km/h) speed limit has been in place, adding to journey times and meaning trains used extra fuel to slow down to travel over the viaduct and then accelerate after crossing. Network Rail said after extensive work to strengthen the structure, the speed restriction had been removed and trains were now travelling at 30mph (48km/h).It said although strengthening work was complete, work continued to paint the steel on the viaduct and repair the stone of the three columns and two Parkes, programme manager at Network Rail, said part of the "major project" involved work to "preserve an historic structure".He said: "We're grateful to the local community for their patience while we completed the work."
