'We're using frying pan technology!' HS2 begins work on incredible M6 'viaduct slide' near Birmingham Airport
Engineers working on the M6's portion of the HS2 project have started work on a 320-metre-long 'viaduct slide'.
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The first stage of the M6 HS2 deck project - which was completed over the weekend - saw the 'East Deck' of the M6 South Viaduct slid 119m out over a slip road adjacent to the M6 motorway, near Birmingham Airport, and slotted into place.
The process has each of the three sections of the deck assembled to one side before being slid across the motorway over three weekends, with each part pushed out before later sections are added behind them.
The multi-stage, three-weekend-long process means the weight of the deck will increase with each push, from 1,300 tonnes last weekend, to 3,390 for the final slide.
The subsequent 'slides' will then take the deck over the main M6 carriageway, and then finally over the M6-M42 link roads.
Liam Kenney, HS2 Ltd's senior project manager, said: "It's great to see the first section of the East Deck in position over the weekend.
"Once complete, these twin viaducts will carry high-speed trains over the M6 helping to improve journeys and free up space on the existing rail network for more freight and local services.
"I'd like to thank everyone who worked so hard to deliver the first slide safely and efficiently, opening the road to traffic 11 hours early."
The sliding technique uses materials similar to that found on non-stick frying pans, with the first of the three giant sections being slid into place during a 29-hour road closure.
The operation was led by HS2's main contractor, BBV - a team made up of Balfour Beatty and VINCI, supported by the specialist steel work company Victor Buyck Steeel Construction.
Victoria Lazenby, National Highways regional director for the Midlands, said: "We know that any work on our roads affects drivers and local communities and we always try to keep that disruption to a minimum.
"So we are delighted by the innovation shown by HS2 and BBV in this complex engineering feat to reduce the impact on road users.
"We will continue to work very closely with HS2 to ensure minimum disruption on our roads and are grateful to people for their patience while this major infrastructure scheme is delivered."
The viaduct, known as the 'East Deck' will carry two tracks to London and is one of two which are being constructed next to a motorway.
When completed, they will each be 320m long.
