STEELWORK firm Severfield has been lifting into place the15 giant curved ribs that will support Manchester Victoria Station’s new glazed roof.

They were lifted into place by the UK’s largest telescopic crane, a 1,200 tonne colossus that carried them over tram lines to be secured to 4 metre high buttresses.

The beams will become progressively heavier and longer until the ninth rib, which at 96 metres and 86.5 tonnes will reach highest and define the roof corner, before receding again.

Severfield’s chief executive Ian Lawson said: “The eye catching canopy roof will be the latest of our steel structures to become an iconic urban landmark, following hard on the heels of the Philharmonie de Paris and the Clyde Gateway Smartbridge.

“Again, the ambitious Manchester Victoria Station redevelopment lies at the heart of one of Europe’s principal cities that is at once a leading legal and financial services centre, thriving retail and event destination and tourist draw. Our world class personnel and technologies are working in concert to achieve an unforgettable design and fabrication - with the size, scale and individuality of the new roof that will soar above platforms and train tracks set to reflect Manchester’s worldwide renown.”

All curved steelworks are expected to be in place by mid September. In total, Severfield is supplying and erecting some 1,900 tonnes of structural steel, with the project’s scope also involving the construction of a mezzanine floor to link the station to the nearby Phones4U Arena as well as lifts and a feature staircase.