Early works joint venture Laing O’Rouke/Murphy is constructing four modular bridges at HS2’s new Interchange station site in Solihull.

In total, this will require 1,130 tonnes worth of steel girders.

Sixteen of the 20m girders have been pre-assembled in the Cleveland Bridge factory as 50 tonne pairs to minimise delivery vehicles on the road.

During the week, specialist haulage equipment transported the first paired girders to the site, where they will be assembled to make a 65m single span.

Once the fully-decked bridge has been completed, the 2,750 tonne structure will be moved into its final position over the motorway.

The two modular bridges are being constructed near the site of the new HS2 Interchange station, forming new connections to a triangle of land formed by the M42, A45 and A452.

They are the first permanent structures to be built by HS2 and will span the M42 and A446 respectively, with a further two bridges to take roads over the new high speed line.

Chris Droogan, Managing Director of Cleveland Bridge UK, said: “We’ve been very conscious of the need to continue work during the COVID-19 crisis and have put extra measures in place to ensure we met government guidelines and follow best practice.

“This has enabled us to continue operating at 100%, which has been key to us staying on track to deliver our product on time.”

Bill Price, HS2’s Head of Enabling Works, said: “It’s fantastic to see construction work stepping up a gear on the first permanent structures to be built by HS2.”