Curzon 2, the tallest bridge on the HS2 line, has been built and is undergoing final checks ahead of its launch in Birmingham
HS2’s tallest bridge is a milestone for the project and a major part of the Curzon approaches.
The approaches comprise five viaducts that form the final mile of the journey into Curzon Street Station in Birmingham city centre.
The bridge is made of 670 steel sections
The 24 metre-high and 150 metre-long bridge is comprised of steel sections, made of weathering steel which darkens with time, and is welded to the next to form triangular units. The total weight of the bridge is 4,200 tonnes.
The bridge will next be launched in three phases, with the final position expected to be reached on 5 June, resting over a Victorian railway viaduct.
When in place, the bridge will reach up to 40 metres high.
Work began to prepare the site for the bridge in 2023, as 32 permanent piles, 30 metres deep, were installed to strengthen the ground.
Greg Sugden, HS2’s head of delivery for the Curzon approaches, said: “Curzon 2 is designed to reflect Birmingham’s proud industrial heritage, and it will soon become a recognisable landmark on the cityscape – just like the Rotunda and the BT Tower.
“I’m immensely proud of the civil engineers, welders and apprentices that have each played a part in its construction and we stand ready for the final challenge – launching the bridge over the adjacent railway line.”
Contract has been awarded for the depot and nerve centre
Earlier this month, Taylor Woodrow Infrastructure Ltd and Aureos Rail Ltd were awarded the contract to build the HS2 train depot, a development covering 30 hectares of brownfield space with the Network Integrated Control Centre, and 40 hectares of commercial developments.
1,000 new jobs are expected to be created by the development, and another 500 jobs created by the construction process.
Lord Hendy, rail minister, said: “Washwood Heath and the wider HS2 programme will create thousands of jobs across the West Midlands – from the construction teams transforming this former industrial site, to the skilled workforce who will operate this state-of-the-art facility for decades to come. Together, they will help deliver faster, more reliable rail journeys across the UK.
“HS2 continues to reach major milestones as we work to get the project back on track and unlock its full potential to drive economic growth, jobs, and homes across the country.”
The post HS2’s tallest bridge ready to be launched appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
