HS2 completes major Midlands viaduct work during Christmas rail closure
The work was carried out during a five-day rail closure - it marks a significant milestone in the project
HS2 engineers have completed one of the most complex construction stages of the project over the Christmas break, installing two key viaduct spans over the existing railway near Water Orton in Warwickshire.
The work was carried out during a five-day rail closure, allowing teams to safely lift and position the massive concrete structures without disrupting passenger services.
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The operation marks a significant milestone for the Water Orton viaducts, located at the northern end of HS2’s Delta junction.
Once complete, the viaducts will play a critical role in the new high-speed network.
They will allow southbound HS2 trains travelling on the mainline to diverge onto the spur leading into Birmingham Curzon Street, as well as providing access to the rolling stock depot at Washwood Heath.
Engineers coordinated heavy lifting equipment, precision surveying, and round-the-clock working to complete the installation within the tight holiday window. Completing the work during the Christmas period helped minimise disruption on one of the region’s busiest rail corridors.
The successful installation brings HS2 a step closer to delivering the rail infrastructure needed to support high-speed services into Birmingham, while maintaining the safe operation of the existing railway during construction.