Arcadis supports A38 Tame Valley viaduct strengthening scheme

Arcadis has played a key role in the successful completion of the A38(M) Tame Valley Viaduct Strengthening Scheme for Birmingham City Council, helping to secure the long-term future of one of Birmingham’s most important transport links while keeping traffic moving on a route used by around 90,000 vehicles every day.

The viaduct, which connects the M6 to Birmingham city centre, is a critical part of the region’s transport network.

Faced with the challenge of strengthening a structurally substandard asset without causing major disruption to road users, Birmingham City Council and its delivery partners adopted an asset-led approach focused on life extension, safety, affordability and long-term value.

Arcadis acted as project manager and supervisor, providing the collaborative project management framework needed to align multiple parties around shared delivery objectives.

Working closely with Birmingham City Council, Arcadis supported programme, cost, risk and quality management within a highly complex live infrastructure environment.

The scheme demonstrates how targeted intervention can provide a more sustainable alternative to full replacement.

By focusing investment on the most critical strengthening works, the team was able to preserve a vital public asset, minimise disruption and maintain network resilience, while delivering within a challenging financial context.

Digital tools were embedded throughout delivery to improve visibility, quality assurance and safety. These included 360-degree imaging, data-driven quality management and digital platforms that enabled remote access to constrained work areas and improved control of works inside the viaduct’s box girders.

The project also introduced advanced confined-space safety measures and robust controls to protect workers operating in a hazardous environment.

The project was delivered through close collaboration between Birmingham City Council, Arcadis, AtkinsRéalis and VolkerFitzpatrick, combining technical, commercial and delivery expertise to manage a highly complex live infrastructure environment while minimising disruption to road users.

In addition to its engineering outcomes, the project generated significant social value and supported local communities through targeted engagement and community initiatives.

Arcadis delivered more than £650,000 in social value contributions. Examples included the development of the World of Work programme with local schools.

The scheme has also received industry recognition, including success at the RICS West Midlands Awards and the CIHT West Midlands Awards.

Mick Regan, project manager at Arcadis, said: “The A38(M) Tame Valley Viaduct Strengthening Scheme is a strong example of what can be achieved when client, designer, contractor and project management teams work together with openness, focus and trust.

“This was a challenging project in a live operational environment, but through collaboration, disciplined commercial management and a clear focus on outcomes, the team has helped secure the long-term future of a critical piece of infrastructure for Birmingham.”