A major engineering operation is underway near Solihull as HS2 teams work to extend the high-speed railway over the M42 motorway network.

During a visit to the site, the scale of the construction was revealed as engineers continue work on two major structures being delivered at the same time: the Water Orton viaducts and the 'twin box' structure near Solihull.

The twin box structure will eventually carry HS2 trains over a 300-metre section of the M42, allowing vehicles to continue travelling underneath.

The structure is being built using 175 pre-cast concrete roof beams, with engineers carefully installing each section as part of a complex construction programme.

During a previous phase of work, HS2's construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) and subcontractor Expanded successfully installed 50 beams in a single weekend, seven more than their original target.

Alongside this, teams are extending the Water Orton viaducts, which already stretch for around 1,200 metres.

The final section will bridge a 135-metre gap over the M42, with six giant spans being assembled nearby before being moved into position.

Each span measures around 45 metres long and weighs approximately 1,000 tonnes, highlighting the scale of the engineering challenge taking place in the Solihull area.

Agnes Usciak, HS2 Ltd.'s Senior Project Manager, said the work represented one of the biggest construction programmes yet to carry HS2 over the motorway network.

She said: "This summer marks the most significant programme of work yet to carry HS2 over the motorway network.

"We have a huge engineering challenge ahead of us, and our engineers will be working day and night to extend three huge structures in tandem."

The work has been carefully coordinated with National Highways and other local partners to allow multiple engineering operations to take place at the same time and reduce the overall impact on road users.

Agnes added: "We have spent a long time working in collaboration with National Highways, the NEC and Birmingham Airport to identify the best opportunity to carry out this work.

"There is never going to be a perfect time to do this kind of construction, but this is the best time we have identified to deliver these major structures."

Oliver Shore, Project Director for Balfour Beatty VINCI, said specialist teams were prepared to deliver the next stage of construction.

He said: "We have specialist teams ready to deliver the next exciting phase of construction over the M42 motorway.

"Our engineers will begin the process of extending the Water Orton viaducts over the M42, while a separate team will continue to install the next set of concrete roof beams on top of our twin box structure near Solihull.

"Both of these complex operations are taking place during the same weekend to minimise disruption to motorists as much as possible."

National Highways has also been working alongside HS2 to coordinate the programme and carry out additional improvements while the motorway is closed.

Ian Doust, National Highways' Head of Network Planning and Development, said the scale of the work being delivered in the area was significant.

He said: "The scale of what's being delivered in this area by HS2 and their partners is remarkable, and the careful planning with National Highways means we can keep disruption to a minimum while this major infrastructure takes shape.

"Working on the Water Orton viaducts and the twin box simultaneously is a deliberate approach to protect road users from repeated disruption over a longer period."

With construction progressing across the route, HS2 says the coming months represent a key period for the project as major structures begin to visibly take shape across the West Midlands.