BBV Prepares for the Second HS2 Deck Push Over M6 Viaduct Near Chelmsley Wood
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 15
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is set to slide the West deck of HS2's M6 South viaduct into place, starting on 11 April 2026. This operation begins with the first 107-metre section over the southbound slip road. The 320-metre twin viaducts are constructed from weathering steel and consist of 1,250-tonne segments. They will be installed using hydraulic jacking over live motorway traffic, applying techniques refined from the successful East deck launch in 2025. This milestone at Delta Junction enhances high-speed capacity from London to Birmingham while ensuring minimal disruption.
Project Overview
Location: M6 Junction 4, Chelmsley Wood, North Warwickshire, West Midlands.
Client: HS2 Ltd.
Main contractor: Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) HS2 JV.
Part of: Delta Junction (13 viaducts total); M6 South viaducts package.
Contract scope: Twin 320m viaducts spanning M6/M42 carriageways and slip roads.
Deck details: West deck in four 1,250-tonne sections; curved profile, weathering steel.
Technique: Hydraulic jack slide over 102m to piers; 2-day per section.
Programme: First slide on 11 April 2026; full completion in 2026.
Impact: Enhances Phase 1 reset capacity to Curzon Street and Interchange in London.
Stay Ahead of the Market
The construction market is evolving rapidly. New contracts, shifting pipelines, rising costs, and tightening regulations are common.
The professionals who excel in 2026 will be those equipped with the right intelligence.
We publish market reports, contract guides, and BD tools tailored for construction professionals.
→ Browse the full resource library: emilecon.com/category/all-products
Delivery Partners and Key Stakeholders
Main contractor: Balfour Beatty VINCI manages assembly, launches, and National Highways coordination in the West Midlands.
Client: HS2 Ltd directs the project, prioritising operations during live traffic.
Highways partner: National Highways oversees access and closures on the M6/M42.
Engineering lead: BBV civil engineer Russel Luckhurt manages the refined technique, applying lessons learned from 2025.
Steelwork specialist: Victor Buyck Steel Construction fabricates segments and supports previous slides.
Location context: The project is adjacent to Birmingham Airport. Delta Junction connects HS2 arms to Curzon Street and Interchange stations.
Construction and Technical Details
The twin M6 South viaducts cross the main carriageways, slip roads, and embankments at Delta Junction. They are designed for 225mph HS2 trains, minimising visual impact through low-profile piers. BBV assembles the West deck off-line in four segments, unlike the East deck's three, to address tighter site constraints, curved abutments, and a compact 36m x 24m launch platform.
Each 1,250-tonne weathering steel section features a 36m launch nose for guidance. It slides 102 metres using 96 hydraulic jacks, capable of exerting up to 1,200 tonnes of thrust onto pre-cast piers. Refinements from the 2025 East deck include optimised bedding for heavier progressive loads, enhanced monitoring for tighter geometry, and faster lock-in sequences.
Phased pushes will start on slip roads during weekends, escalating to main lanes. The full deck will integrate with 13 Delta structures, freeing conventional rail for freight and local services.
Challenges
The proximity of the live M6 presents challenges, as full closures are not feasible. Logistics must accommodate ongoing airport operations, and precision is required at a height of 23m. BBV is committed to ensuring early road reopens.
Timeline
East deck: Launched in three stages in 2025 (first in June, completion in September).
West deck preparation: Assembly in Chelmsley Wood, ready by early April 2026.
First slide: 107m section over J4 southbound slip, scheduled for 11-12 April 2026.
Subsequent stages: Planned for summer 2026 over the main M6/M42.
Full viaducts: Expected to be operational in 2026/27 for HS2 Phase 1 services.
Strategic Importance
For HS2, the West deck represents significant progress in the West Midlands, achieving 75% more viaduct advancement compared to 2024 through efficient phasing. It showcases UK innovation, as megastructures slide over live motorways, sustaining supply chains in high-speed rail.
For BBV, this project reinforces its dominance in HS2 civil engineering, alongside the Bromford Tunnel and Delta viaducts. Early finishes build momentum for the Phase 1 delivery.
For infrastructure professionals, these viaducts highlight the synergy between highways and railways. Skills in this area are crucial as HS2 evolves into a national network enabler.
Writer's Opinion
BBV's M6 West deck exemplifies iterative excellence. The proven jacks, refined for curves, deliver safer and swifter results. The April kickoff, following 2025 adjustments, signals mature programming amid scrutiny of megaprojects.
The industry takeaway is clear: flawless collaboration with National Highways keeps the M6 fluid, allowing HS2 to progress without shutdowns. For Emilecon readers focused on resets, West Midlands pipelines are thriving; it is essential to monitor Delta successors.
