Engineering Focus

In part of one of this series of blogs I wrote about the the likely methods that will be used to undertake the ground works in rural areas for HS2. In this second part I will investigate the bridge structures required and how disruption to the existing road network can be minimised. One of the most common structures that will be built will be road overbridges. For HS2 phase one a large number of road overbridges will have to be constructed although I was unable to ascertain the exact number. Luckily for motorists and local residents most bridges can be constructed with limited disruption to the road network. Many bridges are now constructed away from the existing road, this allows the road to remain open throughout the majority of the construction process. A new bridge being constructed away from the existing road that it will replace for the A556 project  If the bridge must be constructed on the original alignment of the road, a new temporary road alignment can be construc

On the 6th of February 2017 the A556 opened to traffic,  the new road linking the M56 near to Altrincham to the M6 close to Knutsford will ease congestion along this busy corridor which provides access for motorists from South Manchester who wish to access the M6. For more information about the project click  here Rather than describing the route and displaying images I thought it would be best if I simply drove along the new route, starting at the M6 junction 19 and finishing at the M56 junction 8 heading eastbound. Enjoy! Turn ON subtitles (CC) for route description  It appears that there have been some issues with the traffic lights at Junction 19 of the M6, with motorists reporting increased congestion. A statement was posted on the A556 Facebook Page stating that engineers are currently monitoring the phasing of the lights. "........ It became obvious during the peak periods of traffic on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning that there is still an issue