Working for the Balfour Beatty Vinci JV, it took the firm 11.5 hours using push-pull jacking to install the 84m long section.

It is the first section of two 158m viaducts which will take high speed trains over the M42/M6 link roads in North Warwickshire.

Before the end of this year, a similar two-stage operation will move the identical ‘West Link Viaduct’ which runs parallel to the East Link Viaduct.

Tibo Suvée, project manager at Victor Buyck Steel Construction said: “This is the first time our push-pull jacking system has been used in the UK.

“The technique provides greater flexibility during the launching operation by allowing the bridge to be moved backwards or both ways if needed.

“This is really the first milestone of four, and over the next eight months we look forward to delivering the second launch of the East Link Viaduct and the same two-stage operation for the West Link Viaduct, which will complete these first viaducts on Delta Junction.”

Alex Staines, sub agent – Composite Structures at Balfour Beatty Vinci, said: “Delivering this milestone is a really proud moment for me and the team.

“By using an innovative launching technique, we were able to build the viaduct deck offline and move it into position over a weekend closure of the highway, greatly reducing the impact on road users.”