Warning to drivers as giant box structure is installed under the A46
Drivers are being reminded that the road will be closed for the next few weeks
Drivers are being reminded that the A46 in Warwickshire will be closed for the next few weeks - to enable HS2 works to take place.
The road will be closed in both directions between Stivichall Interchange to the Thickthorn Island amid the construction of a giant box structure.
Once this is slid into place, those behind the works will then resurface the carriageway, reinstate the white lines and safety barriers ready to reopen the road - with the project due to conclude at 6am on May 1st.
Afterwards there will be lane closures on the north and southbound carriageways with a speed restriction of 50mph until Thursday 31 July.
This all comes as Sky Blues supports are being advised to leave extra time for journeys when travelling to this week’s home game against West Bromwich Albion.
Coventry City host West Bromwich Albion on Good Friday, 18th April, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Diversions will be in place for drivers, but they are advised to expect delays. Drivers are asked to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.
The 14,500-tonne box structure comprises of more than 100 colossal beams which will carry HS2 under the A46 Kenilworth Bypass.
It was built on land next to the A46, rather than beneath the carriageway itself, which significantly minimises long-term disruption.
The concrete beams, range between 13 metres and 24 metres in length, and now support a flat surface on top.
This structure is now being moved into position under the existing carriageway using an innovative technique - with a jacking mechanism which will push the box across on a guiding raft at a speed of up to 2.5 metres per hour for a total distance of 64 metres.
Vicki Lee, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “I’d like to congratulate the entire site team for successfully moving such a large number of beams into place and as we approach the final phase of the A46 box’s construction.
“I also thank motorists in advance for their patience as we prepare for the box push in spring and start our initial stage of preparation work during two February weekend closures of the road. This will allow us to carry out important work directly on the carriageway that would be unsafe for our workforce to do during live traffic.”
At peak, a workforce of 130 people will be based on this structure, delivered by HS2’s construction partner BBV.
John McNiffe, Project Director at Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “The safe and successful installation of 120 giant beams is another great achievement for the Balfour Beatty VINCI team who are delivering this box bridge slide in Warwickshire. This 14-day operation required huge amounts of planning and precision and I’m really proud of the way they’ve responded to this challenge.
“The next stage includes construction of the deck and installation of the bridge parapets before the bridge can be moved into position under the existing carriageway, allowing HS2 trains to pass underneath.”
David Patmore, Network Planner for National Highways, said: “Our primary concern is that works on our network cause minimum disruption for road users while still ensuring the safety of both the workforce and those using our roads.
“We work very closely with HS2 and its partners and welcome the innovative techniques being used to meet that objective and reduce the impact that such a major, complex project could have on the travelling public.
“It is good news that the works are progressing so well and we are grateful for drivers’ patience as the scheme moves towards the box push in the spring.”
The structural design has been carried out by Balfour Beatty VINCI’s Design Joint Venture, made up of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA (MMSDJV).
Tim Akers, Engineering Manager for the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, said: "We're incredibly proud of the part we've played in the development of this structure. Through significant collaboration between HS2, National Highways and Balfour Beatty VINCI, the design has been reviewed and changed from a traditional ‘top down’ approach to an offline construction method with automated rapid and safe installation, reducing the impact to road users significantly.”
Construction of HS2 continues at pace between the West Midlands and London, with the programme now supporting over 31,000 jobs. When complete, HS2 services will run between London and the West Midlands on a dedicated high-speed line before reaching destinations further north via the existing West Coast Main Line.
You can read the full notice of the works on the HS2 website.
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