The HS2’s construction in Birmingham marks a major milestone with the completion of the Curzon 2 viaduct piers.
- Standing at 16m, these piers are part of the 150m Curzon 2 viaduct, a key component of Birmingham’s high-speed rail gateway.
- Constructed by Balfour Beatty Vinci JV, this viaduct forms a superstructure over existing Victorian railways, enhancing the city’s skyline.
- The viaduct integrates a curved truss design for both aesthetic and structural purposes, showcasing innovation in urban infrastructure.
- Next steps involve assembly and sliding of the viaduct deck and truss, set for completion by next spring.
The construction of the giant piers on the HS2 Curzon 2 viaduct signifies a major step in the development of the high-speed rail link in Birmingham. Now complete, these piers stand at an impressive height of 16 metres, forming part of a larger 150-metre structure. This construction achievement reflects the progress of HS2 in linking Birmingham more effectively with other major cities.
Managed by the main contractor Balfour Beatty Vinci JV, the Curzon 2 viaduct is the tallest in a 1.6km stretch of interconnected viaducts. This project’s scale and ambition underscore the role of HS2 in transforming Birmingham’s transport infrastructure. Forming a superstructure above the existing Victorian brick railway, the viaduct illustrates a marriage of historical and modern engineering elements.
The project incorporates a 25-metre high curved truss that not only enhances structural integrity but also contributes to a new visual identity for Birmingham’s skyline. This installation will eventually light up, creating a striking icon on the city’s horizon, symbolising the blend of engineering prowess and aesthetic innovation in contemporary urban development.
Balfour Beatty Vinci has initiated the next phase, involving the assembly of the viaduct deck and the weathering steel truss. This comprehensive task includes lifting approximately 130 individual parts of the adjacent Curzon 1 viaduct and positioning them using cranes. The operation epitomises engineering precision and meticulous planning.
Once assembled, the entire 4,000-tonne deck and truss structure will be systematically slid into position using advanced jacking systems. This operation, scheduled over a 12-day period, is anticipated to be one of the longest viaduct launches of its type in the UK. This meticulous attention to detail promises a significant enhancement to Birmingham’s transport links.
The completion of the Curzon 2 viaduct piers marks a significant milestone in the HS2 project, enhancing Birmingham’s transport infrastructure.
