VolkerFitzpatrick will carry out strengthening and refurbishment works to the viaduct, which currently carries around 80,000 vehicles a day and links the M6 motorway to the city centre.
The 620m long composite viaduct was built in the early 1970s and forms the northern end of the A38(M) Aston Expressway near ‘Spaghetti Junction’. It has started to show signs of deterioration. Works will start this month to strengthen and refurbish the structure, which is 25m wide and carries seven lanes of traffic over 22 spans.
The viaduct’s superstructure will be strengthened by the addition of steel plates, secured in position using a combination of welding and bolting. In addition to strengthening, anti-corrosion paint will be applied to the structure, alongside other refurbishment works to help preserve the viaduct and minimise the need for future work. The project is due to take four and a half years to complete.
Deon Scholtz, operations director for VolkerFitzpatrick’s Infrastructure division, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed by Birmingham City Council to carry out much needed works to upgrade and improve the Tame Valley Viaduct. This is a vital part of Birmingham’s road network, and we look forward to working with the council to provide an integrated solution that achieves high levels of technical capability and service, leading to a safe, successful project completion.”
The viaduct will remain open during the works, in order to minimise disruption. To enable this, VolkerFitzpatrick will be using high level access platforms spanning from pier to pier.
Councillor Liz Clements, cabinet member for transport at Birmingham City Council, commented: “This is a significant investment into a key piece of our city's highways infrastructure. If we are to ensure people can move around the city as easy as possible and help business flourish, it is vital we carry out projects like this.”
