Together, the Water Orton viaducts cross the M42, A446, the #Birmingham to Peterborough railway line and the River Tame. A separate team of 75 men and women have now installed the final two spans of Water Orton Viaduct number 2 over the southbound carriageway, replicating the successful extension of Water Orton 1 back in August. Each 45-metre-long span was built using 18 pre-cast segments, manufactured locally at BBV's concrete batching plant in Kingsbury. Once assembled, the 1,000-tonne spans were driven into position using self-propelled modular transporters, then locked securely in place using tensioning cables housed inside the hollow centre of the viaduct.

During the weekend closure of the M42, a 150-strong team installed the final 44 beams for the #M42 twin box over the southbound carriageway, completing the roof that will carry trains above the motorway. The structures roof comprises 175 beams in total, each weighing between 56 and 92 tonnes and measuring 23m long, lifted into place by a 300-tonne crawler crane. The finished structure stands 10m high, with two 145m-long walls and 46 internal columns supporting a 9,800-tonne beamed roof 👇🎥.

Our engineers have lifted the last of six enormous viaduct spans that will carry high speed trains over the M42 in the West Midlands, during a weekend closure of the motorway 👇🎥. The operation at the Water Orton viaducts site was completed in the early hours of this morning, with the motorway reopening at around 4am as planned. To take full advantage of the closure, a separate team - three miles to the south – spent the weekend lifting the last beams that will support another major bridge known as the ‘twin box’. Find out more: gloo.to/FmOQ @transportgovuk

Our engineers have now completed the trio of Balsall Common, Marsh Farm and River Blythe viaducts on the approach to Interchange Station, and within the Solihull area. In our latest video, we take a closure look at these three structures, from their scale and engineering to the landscapes they've been designed around. Watch it here 👉 piped.video/QK2QjssBcm0

The Oxford Canal viaduct in #Warwickshire is nearing completion, and one of its most distinctive features is now taking shape 👇. The viaducts piers are being finished with locally sourced ‘ironstone’, a material that has been part of the character of the surrounding area for hundreds of years 🕰️. Local communities were given a say in the appearance of the structure, with the majority choosing the ironstone finish. We'll be taking a closure look at the viaduct, it's design and the story behind the ironstone in an upcoming explainer video 🎥. #HS2 #Infrastructure #OxfordCanal

Work continues this weekend on the M42, as our engineers continue with two major structures at the same time. Over this weekend, the final beams for the M42 twin box will be lifted into place, and the final spans for the Water Orton viaducts will be installed. The M42 will be closed from 9pm Friday 18 September to 5am Monday 21 September, between junctions 6 to 9 northbound and 9 to 6 southbound (including M6 J4a southbound link to M42 in both directions). M6 northbound J3a link to M6toll T1 and M6 Toll southbound from T2. Full details at hs2.org.uk/hs2-motorway-work…

We're proud to be part of Birmingham's transformation 🏙️. HS2 is more than just a railway – it's a catalyst for regeneration and growth across the West Midlands region 📈. The Paradise development features the city's tallest building, twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. MEPC, the developer leading this landmark project, says HS2 is acting as a catalyst for inward investment in the region. Find out more about HS2's impact on the West Midlands: hs2.org.uk/what-is-hs2/hs2-i…

Recently, our teams in Birmingham moved the first 55-metre section of the Saltley viaduct over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines. This steel section was driven into place at a distance of around 125 metres, using self-propelled-modular- transporters (SPMTs). With phase one of four complete, engineers are now assembling the second 35-metre-long span, which will cross over the new HS2 railway line. This span will be lowered into place by crane in October. Watch the timelapse and aerial footage of the first section being moved into place here 👉🎥 piped.video/qy6zEaW5rPU

As a junior ecologist working on HS2, Shannon joined the project when the River Cole realignment looked very different 👇🎥. Now, just a few years later, she's seeing how the realigned river and surrounding habitat have developed. Along the way, she's had the chance to work alongside a range of teams, gaining hands-on experience, and understanding how ecology fits into the wider delivery of HS2 🚄.

Meet Ashton, a welding apprentice who has been involved in the construction of the Curzon.2 viaduct, and it's push into position 👇🎥. When Ashton first started, he had a mentor who supported him. This game him the confidence to learn, develop and find his own feet on site. Now, he's looking back at how far he's come, and how working on a major infrastructure project like HS2, has helped set him up for the future.

The River Cole realignment in the Delta Junction is an example of our environmental works are progressing alongside construction 🏗️🌳. Just a few years ago, our teams were carrying out major works to realign the river. Now, the new channel has established and the surrounding landscape is already beginning to transform, creating a more natural environment for wildlife. This is just one of many environmental projects taking place across the route. Watch our video to find out more: piped.video/watch?v=hqSVlsaS…

This week we'd like to share these photos of the Saltley viaduct which was recently driven into place over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines. As HS2 approaches #Birmingham, a series of tunnels, viaducts and other major structures are being built to carry the railway through the city, and into the new Curzon Street Station. Saltley viaduct is an example of just one of those structures - if you want see how these structures all fit together, watch our latest video: ow.ly/4vfK50ZJtAW

Across the #HS2 route, temporary construction areas are being cleared, land is being restored, and habitats are being re-established. The River Ouse environmental mitigation site in Westbury, near #Brackley is just one example. Here, extensive #ecological works are helping to create a diverse and thriving network of habitats. Wildflower meadows stretch across the landscape, with the Westbury Viaduct visible in the background. Watch our latest environment update video to find out more: piped.video/watch?v=hqSVlsaS…

Hear from our Head of Delivery, Greg Sugden on the progress being made for the HS2 route into Birmingham. In this update video, Greg takes you along the route to see what's changed, from the transformation of Washwood Heath depot and portal, to the demolition and rebuild of Aston Church Road overbridge and Saltley viaduct, and the giant 40 metre bridge launch at Curzon no.2 viaduct. Watch the full video here 👉 piped.video/watch?v=KWaEiaQk…

Over the bank holiday weekend, our engineers successfully installed the first section of the Saltley Viaduct over the #Birmingham to Derby railway lines👇🎥. The first 55-metre-long steel section was assembled on land adjacent to where the original viaduct once stood, it was then driven into place using self propelled modular transporters at a distance of around 125 metres. Spans three and four, which cross the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, will be installed later this year. Find out more: gloo.to/FhRZ

Our construction partner EKFB is searching for 16 groundworker apprentices based in #Bicester. If you're 18 or over, and are looking to start a career in construction, come along to the #apprenticeship recruitment event on Thursday 3rd September. To find out more, and register your interest, visit 👉eventbrite.com/e/constructio…

A year ago, we published our first progress update on the HS2 route into #Birmingham. Since then, our teams have made significant progress. Previously, many of the structures you see across Birmingham's ever-changing skyline were still taking shape. Now, around 30,000 people are working across the route every day, and here in Birmingham the results of that effort are plain to see. Tunnel bores have been completed, bridges launched, and new sections of railway are beginning to take shape. In our latest video, learn how the Birmingham approaches are progressing and hear from the people delivering the work 👉 piped.video/watch?v=KWaEiaQk…

Last weekend, engineers working on HS2 slid a huge section of the M6 South Viaduct, West Deck into position over the M6 motorway, near @bhx_official Here are some fantastic shots of the operation 👇📷. #HS2InPictures

We're launching a six-week training programme with our construction partners Balfour Beatty VINICI and Mace Dragados for unemployed people in the #WestMidlands. Those who complete the programme will be guaranteed an interview for one of the 12, level 2 #apprenticeships. The six-week general operatives training programme will be delivered at South and City College’s Bordesley Green campus and starts on 28 September. Find out more: gloo.to/FN4H