HS2 Box Structure Construction Progresses in Warwickshire

The construction of a 14,500-tonne box structure for the HS2 line under the A46 Kenilworth Bypass in Warwickshire has progressed significantly with the installation of 120 large concrete beams, completed ahead of schedule in just 14 days. These beams, measuring between 13 and 24 meters, were placed using three giant cranes, and the project is set for completion later this year. The box is being built adjacent to the A46 to avoid lengthy traffic disruptions, with plans to move it into position using an innovative jacking mechanism designed by Freyssinet in spring 2025. This technique will allow the structure to be pushed across a guiding raft at a speed of up to 2.5 meters per hour over a distance of 64 meters. Preparation work for this maneuver will involve road closures on the A46 over two weekends next month, as part of the ongoing collaboration among HS2, National Highways, and Balfour Beatty VINCI. The full closure of the A46 Kenilworth Bypass is anticipated to last up to three weeks for the box's final positioning.