Here’s how engineers use night operations, jacking, and precise planning to keep bridges and roads open while completing major projects safely and efficiently.
The HS2 project took another significant step forward in August, as a 1,631t steel bridge was lifted into place over the Lawley Middleway in Birmingham.
New Civil Engineer reports that the 112m long structure was manoeuvred with a highly specialised skidding system that involved a jacking push/pull mechanism.
To minimise disruption to users of Birmingham’s busy ring road, the operation was carried out at night, allowing the road to remain open during the day. By working at night, engineers can carry out complex operations, such as jacking, lifting, and sliding massive bridge sections, without snarling up traffic.
Nighttime construction isn’t just about convenience: it demands innovation. Engineers use modular construction methods, off-site assembly, and synchronized hydraulic systems to lift or slide heavy structures quickly.
For example, the Lawley Middleway bridge was rotated and skidded into place using a combination of jacking and skidding techniques, completed ahead of schedule with minimal public impact.
These strategies also reduce environmental impact. Shorter closures mean less congestion and lower emissions, while off-site construction cuts waste and speeds up delivery. Expansion joints, bridge bearings, and post-tensioning systems are all integrated seamlessly, ensuring the new structures are not only functional but long-lasting.
For local authorities and project planners, nighttime engineering is a perfect balance: delivering essential infrastructure while keeping roads open and communities moving.
It’s a reminder for everyone that modern engineering is about more than steel and concrete: it’s about careful planning, precision, and respect for the people who rely on the infrastructure every day. The next time you drive past a bridge project, remember that engineers are often hard at work out of hours to keep daytime traffic flowing.