Birmingham is set to witness a significant transformation in its skyline with the construction of the "Bellingham Bridge," a key part of the HS2 project. Named after local football star Jude Bellingham, this 150-metre-long superstructure will play a crucial role in connecting high-speed trains to the city, celebrating Birmingham's rich industrial heritage.
Celebrating Industrial Heritage
The Bellingham Bridge, the tallest structure among a series of viaducts, stands as a testament to Birmingham's industrial past. With four giant piers now completed, each 16 meters tall, the bridge's construction marks a significant milestone. These piers support a 25-metre-high curved truss adorned with a vibrant light installation, designed by British artist Liz West. This installation, titled "Out of the Blue," will introduce dynamic colors to the steel truss, framing breathtaking views of the city and creating an iconic feature on the urban landscape.
Completion of the giant piers next to existing Victorian railway. Source: HS2
Engineering Marvel
Constructed by HS2’s West Midlands contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI, the bridge is an engineering marvel. A truss bridge, known for being light yet strong, is composed of connected elements that form triangular units. This design uses a relatively small amount of material, making it ideal for assembly offline before being launched from one end in a single piece across the existing railway viaduct.
The truss has been designed to 'wrap' around the viaduct, extending the bottom of the steel to wrap underneath the viaduct deck, forming a visual connection to the steel girders of the adjacent structures. The viaduct deck itself will carry three parallel high-speed rail tracks over the existing east-west rail line. The deck, assembled from 130 individual parts, will weigh over 4,000 tonnes and be slid into place using a jacking system. This complex operation, set for Summer 2025, showcases the ingenuity and precision involved in modern infrastructure projects. The entire process reflects the collaborative efforts of over 250 skilled professionals, including engineering apprentices, steel welders, and joiners, all working seamlessly in Birmingham's busy urban space.
Concept design of HS2's 'Curzon No.2 Viaduct' in Birmingham. Source: HS2
Enhancing Connectivity and Economic Growth
Upon completion, the Bellingham Bridge and its adjoining viaducts will revolutionize travel between London and the West Midlands. High-speed trains will provide quicker, more reliable journeys, driving economic growth and creating space for additional local trains on the congested West Coast Main Line. As passengers travel through the new Curzon Street Station, they will experience a grand entrance, emerging from the Bromford Tunnel and rising onto this striking stretch of viaducts, symbolizing Birmingham's bright future and enduring legacy.
Concerning, the progress of this fascinating project, check the following video.
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