HS2 begins foundation works for key A43 bridge

After temporarily realigning both carriageways, HS2 this week began foundation works for a key bridge that will take a major A road over the new high-speed railway just outside Brackley in West Northants. The A43 – which links Oxford, Brackley and Northampton – is a vital route, providing access to Silverstone and connections between the M40 and M1. To keep traffic flowing throughout the complex build, HS2’s engineers worked closely with National Highways to realign the two carriageways to create space for the construction of the bridge deck, which will be assembled at ground level. They have now begun work on the deep piled foundation that will support the weight of the bridge. These will be topped with concrete pile caps and piers supporting the bridge deck that will carry the road. Once the deck has been completed, the road will be moved back over the new bridge and excavation can begin to create space for the railway to pass underneath. This four stage approach was designed to keep traffic flowing and disruption to a minimum.

Source: HS2