The 1,631-tonne giant steel span forms part of a one-mile stretch of five connected viaducts and has been assembled over the past two years beside Digbeth Canal to minimise disruption for road users during fabrication.

From 15 August, heavy-lift specialists Mammoet will jack the bridge onto two self-propelled modular transporters before rotating it 90 degrees.

The following week, the span will be inched into position at night using a rare combination of SPMTs and a push-pull skidding system – a first for BBV on the HS2 project.

The operation will see the bridge moved around 12 metres each night, keeping Lawley Middleway open during the day. Night-time closures between Garrison Circus and Curzon Circus will run from 10pm to 6am until 24 August, with a signed diversion avoiding Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone.

BBV project manager Georgios Markakis said: “This operation is a first for BBV, combining SPMTs and a skidding system to lift, rotate and move this giant structure into place.”

The bridge is one of five viaducts bringing high-speed trains from the west portal of the 3.5-mile Bromford Tunnel into Curzon Street Station. Over the next 12 months, the Curzon Approaches will see tunnel breakthroughs, more viaduct moves, road reopenings and the start of Saltley Viaduct construction.