{"id":58492,"date":"2025-12-16T12:24:40","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T12:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/?p=58492"},"modified":"2025-12-17T11:54:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-17T11:54:52","slug":"innovative-m6-bridge-slide-for-hs2-completed-without-motorway-closure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.systra.com\/uk\/news\/innovative-m6-bridge-slide-for-hs2-completed-without-motorway-closure\/","title":{"rendered":"Innovative M6 bridge slide for HS2 completed without motorway closure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A UK-first was completed over the weekend, when an enormous 4,600-tonne viaduct was slid into place over the M6 without the motorway being closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As part of the HS2 project<\/a>, the 17-hour-long operation marked the culmination of a three-stage process to install the 315-metre East deck of the M6 South viaduct, which will carry high-speed trains heading to Birmingham and further north. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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While the previous slide<\/a> had required a weekend closure of the main carriageway, the team \u2013 led by HS2\u2019s main work contractor Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) \u2013 worked closely with National Highways to develop the \u2018fully restrained\u2019 process which allowed them to safely slide the final section above the moving traffic. It is thought to be the first time this technique has been used on a UK motorway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The structural design was delivered by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA, plus WW+P Architects, Design Joint Venture (DJV). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The successful operation means the project to construct the M6 South viaduct has reached the halfway point. Over the next year, the same process will be repeated, with a parallel West deck slid into position alongside the first one to carry trains heading south. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Jack Hillier, Senior Project Manager at SYSTRA, said: \u201cOnce more our dedicated team from across the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA DJV have played their part in a significant milestone for the HS2 project. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe dedicated design work that has been delivered enables this innovative construction method to be successfully implemented, and it is a proud moment for everyone involved.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cEvery element of work on the project is brought to life through a collaborative approach with safety and innovation at heart, and we look forward to next year\u2019s progress.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caroline Warrington, HS2 Ltd\u2019s Head of Delivery, said: \u201cAlong the HS2 route we are pioneering new approaches to engineering and construction in order to deliver more efficiently and with less impact on our neighbours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe believe this fully restrained slide was a first for the country, but most importantly it means we\u2019ve been able to cut in half the number of times we\u2019ve had to close the motorway. I\u2019d like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the operation a success.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Russell Luckhurst, the BBV engineer leading the delivery of the works, said: \u201cWe\u2019re all feeling a huge sense of pride after sliding a 4,600-tonne viaduct into its final position this weekend. The third and final slide of the East deck viaduct was delivered over a live motorway for the first time in the UK, making this achievement even more special. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cUsing this \u2018fully restrained\u2019 technique meant we were able to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. Our focus will now turn towards the neighbouring West deck viaduct, which will be launched in multiple phases throughout 2026, as well as the East deck finishing works.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Click here<\/a> for more about SYSTRA\u2019s work on HS2 and other high speed rail projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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