The existing bridge, comprising eight masonry arches and a central steelwork span, will be demolished and replaced with a single 92 metre-span steel structure.

The works will pave the way for the construction of the new HS2 line approach into Birmingham City centre and the planned HS2 Midlands Maintenance Depot.

The Stechford to Aston rail line and Derby to Birmingham rail line over which the new bridge will span are key routes for freight and local people.

Skanska has worked closely with Network Rail and its supply chain partners to optimise up time on the rail line during construction, supporting Network Rail’s Putting Passengers First vision.

Jonathan Willcock, managing director of Skanska’s infrastructure business, said: “We’ve worked really hard over the past two years with Network Rail to ensure that passengers are at the heart of our solution, which will optimise rail services during construction while bringing carbon and cost savings.”

The bridge has been designed to minimise the steel tonnage, which combined with offsite fabrication to reduce carbon on the project.

The project is due for completion in September 2022.