Welding issues on 14 bridges have delayed a new infrastructure project with £20million of repairs needed on both rail and road.
Severfield, the largest structural steel group in the UK, admitted some of its bridge structures were not in compliance with the rules.
The group stressed they had not met one unnamed client’s weld specification requirements and hinted that major remedies were needed.
National Highways and HS2 have both confirmed they are impacted by the welding issues.
HS2 confirmed that nine of its structures were affected but has only revealed the locations of three areas suffering problems.
Chiefs admitted that the Duddeston Mill Road bridge in Birmingham, Princes Risborough to Aylesbury rail bridge in Buckinghamshire and the Harvil Road bridge in Hillingdon were affected.
However, HS2 is working to resolve the issue with work already underway to correct defects on “a number of structures” across the route.
A HS2 spokesperson explained: “We have identified a number of welding defects related to steel fabrication work undertaken by one of our suppliers.
“A comprehensive review has been undertaken to determine the extent of the further action required. We are working closely with the company and our supply chain to address the issue.
“This will not impact on the safety or quality of the operational railway which is being designed to the highest standards.”
National Highways admitted the locations of five bridge structures possibly affected by the welding issues.
They suggested the M42 Solihull Road B4102, A1 Allerdene Railway Replacement bridge and the A30 Chiverton had all been impacted.
It also pointed out the A46 Binley Junction A428 and the A454 Catherine De Barnes Lane South just outside Birmingham as further locations being looked into.
National Highways said: “We regularly carry out inspections on the structures we manage to make sure our network is safe and in good working order. We are carrying out targeted inspections on a small number of bridges to rule out any potential issues.
“These bridges remain safe to use. For any abnormal load movements, we have put restrictions in place as a precaution while we assess whether any further strengthening measures may be required.”
Steelwork contractor Severfield has admitted bosses will undertake a “comprehensive review” to get to the bottom of the welding issues.
But, the group stressed that none of the problems had “affected the safety” of the bridges in a relief for rail passengers and road users.
“The issues all arise out of a particular bridge specification and related sub-optimal choices of welding procedures, exacerbated by limitations in the specified weld testing regime for these projects.
“A comprehensive review is currently being undertaken by the group, in conjunction with its affected clients, relevant industry authorities and insurers to fully understand the extent of the actions required to resolve the issue, which has not affected the safety of any operational bridges.”
The Express has contacted Severfield for further comment.