Birmingham motorway bridge back to full strength after £93m works

Work on a ‘deteriorating’ viaduct on a major Birmingham arterial route has been signed off, securing the future of the route for decades to come, the city council says.

Repairs to the Tame Valley Viaduct strengthening and refurbishment scheme began in June 2022, with VolkerFitzpatrick appointed as principal contractor to the £93.4m project by Birmingham City Council.

The scheme was supported by £72.1m of Department for Transport (DfT) Local Growth Fund investment, with the remaining funding provided by Birmingham City Council.

The city council says the works, completed earlier this month, have restored the viaduct’s full structural capacity, and would extend its service life by many decades.

“The A38(M) is one of the region’s busiest strategic routes, carrying more than 90,000 vehicles during a typical weekday,” said Cllr Rob Grant, cabinet member for transport.

“While we want to see fewer vehicles on the roads, particularly for shorter journeys, this junction provides a vital connection with the wider strategic road network. If the strengthening works had not been done, significant weight and width restrictions would have been necessary, causing major disruption to motorists, businesses and the regional economy.”

Structural assessments on the 620 metre-long structure, which opened in 1972 as part of the A38M which carries motorists into the city from Spaghetti Junction, had identified that the viaduct required major strengthening to ensure its long-term future.

The superstructure has now been re-enforced by adding steel plates, secured in position using a combination of welding and bolting.

“This was an incredibly complex engineering project, so it is particularly impressive to see that it has been delivered ahead of schedule and within budget, all while keeping traffic flowing,” added Cllr Grant.

“That is a real benefit to residents, businesses and visitors, and I would like to extend my thanks to all involved.”