Video shows beam lift job as airbag is tested

09/07/2021 | CHRIS AMES

Highways England has released an animation showing the scale of the operation to lift 44m-long steel bridge beams into place across the M6 in the West Midlands and has confirmed a new date for the works.

The motorway will be closed in both directions at Junction 10 on the weekend of 16 to 19 July to enable the beams to be put in place, creating a new bridge over the motorway. The work was originally due to take place over the weekend of 2 to 5 July but was postponed 'due to unforeseen circumstances impacting on the delivery of the beams'.

The government-owned company has described the job as a significant milestone in the £78m transformation of the Walsall junction, which will replace the 50-year-old bridges currently in place across the M6 and double the number of lanes around the junction from two to four.

It said the congestion at Junction 10 was identified as one of the main transport issues facing the region in the West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan.

The new video animation shows the operation, which will involve a 50m-high crane dropping the 130-tonne beams into place to help form the new north bridge.

Project manager David Reed said: ’We are grateful to people for their understanding while we carry out these important improvements that will tackle the congestion that has plagued drivers, businesses and local communities for some time.’

The works will also see the latest outing for a high-visibility airbag that aims to cut instances of road users driving into work areas, as featured in the July issue of Highways magazine.

As well as work on the junction itself, the westbound carriageway of the busy Black Country Route is being widened from two to three lanes from Junction 10 to Marshlands Way.

The project is funded by Highways England and Walsall Council, supported by the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership. Contractor John Sisk and Son is carrying out the work.

The beams for the south bridge will be lifted into place later in the summer and will also require the M6 to be closed. The old bridges will be demolished later in the scheme.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Chartered Civil Engineer – Highways Specialist

£65,000 - £80,000 based on experience.
We are looking for a driven and experienced Chartered Civil Engineer with a strong background in highways engineering to join our team. Bristol based offices. Hybrid (2 days in office) or remote working for the right candidate.
Recruiter: W.D.M. Limited

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £49,178 - £52,937 per annum
Are you passionate about infrastructure, partnership management and making a real impact? Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Kirby Misperton, Malton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Boroughbridge, York
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Highways Engineer

£52,194 - £55,323 per annum
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater) (GB)
Recruiter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537 per annum
Would you like to be part of one of our friendly, welcoming Highways teams, who are proud to manage all aspects of the highway network? Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Roads Strategy Director & National Highways Client Director

circa £100,000
Transport is fundamental to everyday life, connecting people to work, education, leisure and opportunity. Leeds / Birmingham / London
Recruiter: Department for Transport

Bridges Engineer

Grade 8 - Grade 10
The Key purpose of this position within the Highways Network Management Team Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

£46,878 - £50,071
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Asset Senior Maintenance Engineer (CDC)

Grade 10, £47,154 – £51,235
Do you have a positive approach to work and enjoy the challenge of a busy role? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Arboricultural Consultant

£36168.0000 - £42551.0000 per annum
Arboricultural ConsultantPermanentFull Time, 37 hours per week£36,168 to £42,551 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Senior Engineer

Starting Salary from £43,545 based on skills and
Job TitleSenior Engineer (x2 v... Frogmore Complex, Wandsworth, London,
Recruiter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Traffic Management Technician - WMF2311e

£26,403 - £26,824
This is a predominantly office-based role with some site visits required. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Lawyer Planning and Highways - WMF2312e

£56,883 - £59,198
To be a success in our Legal Team you will have experience as a Planning and Highways Lawyer Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Engineering Technician (HDM)

Grade 4 - Grade 6
Do you want to join a team helping to shape the future of Wakefield through Highways Development Management? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highways Maintenance Operative Apprentice

£28,729.00 per annum (Subject to review)
As part of your apprenticeship, you will be enrolled onto a Lead Traffic Management operative course Staffordshire
Recruiter: Amey
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW