Huge HS2 viaduct slid into place over M6

A huge viaduct that will form part of the HS2 high speed rail line into Birmingham has been moved into place over the M6 motorway.

The 3,200-tonne structure, which is 230m long, will eventually carry two tracks on the London-to-Birmingham route.

Both carriageways on the M6 were closed between junctions four and 4A near Birmingham Airport at the weekend to allow it to be slid into place.

The motorway was reopened ahead of schedule at 12:30 BST on Sunday.

Travelling at 10 metres per hour, the East Deck viaduct was moved using a series of winches.

At a later date, another section will be added to extend the viaduct to 320m, while a parallel West Deck will be added to carry another pair of tracks.

The scaled down HS2 line, terminating at Birmingham, rather than further north, is expected to open between 2029 and 2033.

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