The original Saltley Viaduct, which crossed a 183-metre section of the B4114, was closed to vehicles and pedestrians in May 2026. It was subsequently demolished to make way for a taller replacement structure, designed to allow high-speed trains to pass safely underneath.
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is constructing and installing the replacement viaduct. The project is being delivered in phases because of the complex route across the Birmingham to Derby railway lines, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the River Rea and, ultimately, the future HS2 railway line.
The first 55-metre-long steel span was assembled on land beside the site of the former viaduct. It was then transported into position across the Birmingham to Derby railway lines during the Bank Holiday weekend, covering a distance of approximately 125 metres using self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs).
The first phase was carried out in partnership with Network Rail during a temporary railway closure. The railway reopened to passengers as planned yesterday morning, following completion of the installation works.
With the first of four phases now complete, engineers have started assembling the second 35-metre-long span, which will pass over the new HS2 railway line. The span is scheduled to be lifted and lowered into position by crane next month.
The third and fourth spans, which will cross the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, are due to be installed later this year. Engineers will then complete the tie-in between the perimeter of the railway line and the abutment supporting the structure. A new bridge over the River Rea will also be built as part of the wider realignment of the B4114.
Dan Binns, Senior Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “The new Saltley Viaduct is the latest HS2 structure to emerge in this area of Birmingham, after BBV engineers safely manoeuvred the first 55-metre span over an existing rail line.
“We chose the same technique used on the neighbouring Aston Church Road bridge two years ago, where the span was assembled next to the railway, before being driven into place on wheels to minimise the impact on rail passengers as much as possible.”
The new Saltley Viaduct is expected to open to motorists and pedestrians in November 2027.
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