Huge Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture (DJV) designed bridge structure positioned in Birmingham

The 112m long structure was positioned on concrete pillars over a section of Lawley Middleway – part of the city’s ring road – over four nights in August.

The huge span was constructed on land next to Digbeth Canal over the past two years and a specialist skidding system was used to finally move the bridge into place.

The close collaboration between the DJV was particularly important on this project given the overall complexity of the structure. The team was able to ensure their work supported safe and efficient construction.

Abukalam Mulla, SYSTRA’s CAD Production Manager on the project, said: “This is a proud milestone for the team. We are delighted to witness the bridge being successfully erected into position.

This is a proud milestone for the team. We are delighted to witness the bridge being successfully erected into position.

Abukalam Mulla, CAD Production Manager, SYSTRA Ltd

“It is deeply rewarding to see our collective design efforts transformed into a tangible structure on site.”

Lawley Middleway bridge forms part of the railway’s approach to Birmingham. High-speed trains will travel out of the west portal of the 3.5 mile Bromford Tunnel at Washwood Heath and onto a one mile stretch of five connected viaducts which links onto the platforms of Birmingham Curzon Street Station.

Tom Lake, Design Project Manager at the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture DJV, said: “The Lawley Middleway Viaduct is a landmark moment for Birmingham’s transformation, which showcases the best of modern engineering.

“The entire DJV team are delighted with the successful launch which demonstrates the seamless integration of design innovation and construction expertise. The design balances structural efficiency and a consistent architectural language of the approach viaducts, while meeting complex engineering demands.

“Seeing the 112-metre steel span glide into place is not just an engineering achievement, but a step towards the long-term legacy of HS2.”

Find out more about SYSTRA’s work on HS2.