HS2 M42 operation demonstrates heavy-lift planning at scale
Balfour Beatty Vinci has completed major M42 engineering works involving two 1,000-tonne viaduct spans and a separate crawler-crane operation lifting beams weighing up to 92 tonnes.
Major engineered movements over the M42
Balfour Beatty Vinci completed installation of two 45m viaduct spans, each around 1,000 tonnes, using self-propelled modular transporters during a motorway closure. Nearby, a 300-tonne crawler crane installed bridge-roof beams up to 23m long and 92 tonnes.
The principles scale
Major engineered movements are highly specialised, but many underlying control principles are familiar to every lifting team: defined configurations, temporary works, ground and support assessments, exclusion zones, sequencing, interfaces, communications and contingency arrangements.
- Coordinate lifting and temporary works.
- Verify support and ground-loading requirements.
- Control interfaces and exclusion zones.
- Plan sequence, communications and contingencies.
- Ensure the approved method reflects the operation actually undertaken.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.