Construction at HS2’s Interchange Station in Solihull progresses
Published on Friday, 11 October 2024
Using a 650-tonne crane, the beams were positioned onto existing supports, forming the base of a road bridge that will carry vehicles over the railway to station car parks.
Together, the beams weigh 565 tonnes and will support the two-lane bridge, which will span 63.5 metres when completed in early 2025.
The next construction steps include adding a concrete deck, parapet walls, and final road surfacing.
It is the largest structure built so far in the development of Interchange Station, which is expected to boost growth in Solihull, supporting 30,000 jobs, 3,000 new homes, and commercial space.
Once operational, the station will connect passengers to the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham International Station, and Birmingham Airport via the Automated People Mover (APM).
Located between the M42, A45, and A452, Interchange Station will link travellers to London and northern cities, with a 38-minute commute to the capital.
The station construction contract was awarded to Laing O’Rourke, with full construction set to begin in early 2026.
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), HS2’s main contractor for the West Midlands, is currently preparing the site.
Ailsa Waygood, HS2 Ltd’s project client for Interchange Station, said: “We’re very proud to mark this engineering milestone and I’d like to thank everyone involved for delivering the operation safely and precisely during particularly challenging weather conditions.
“As we approach a new phase of construction, we are excited to bring our plans for Interchange Station to life. Interchange will be transformational for the Midlands, providing new jobs and supply chain opportunities, and becoming one of the best-connected transport hubs in the UK.”
Maddy Belgrove, Site Sub Agent for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said: “HS2’s Interchange Station is really beginning to take shape, now we’ve safely and successfully lifted the 15 bridge beams into place. This five-day operation required a huge amount of planning and precision, and I’m really proud of the way the team has responded to this challenge, especially during the recent bad weather.”