Main Contractor
Amey Construction Limited

Works Comprised
Construction of the 300m long Meir Tunnel and associated approach works forming part of a high standard east-west route linking the M6 and the M1. The tunnel roof was constructed in a top down method on top of contiguous piled tunnel walls. Blinding concrete was power floated to achieve a smooth surface upon which a debonding wax was applied. Reinforcement was fixed in the normal way and the 1,000mm thick roof slab cast directly onto the blinding concrete.

The tunnel was then excavated from below with the blinding concrete coming away from the main roof slab, the special wax having prevented any bonding between the two concrete layers. Approach walls and impact walls were then completed at the tunnel entrances and sides.