HS2 has revealed new designs for the Saltley Viaduct in Birmingham, which will carry the B4114 over the HS2 line, the Grand Union Canal, the Birmingham and Derby rail line and the River Rea.

The design team has seen a collaboration between Mott MacDonald, Systra and architects Weston Williamson + Partners working on behalf of Balfour Beatty VINCI. The latest designs incorporate feedback from the local community, including:

• The addition of further space to support cyclists, as suggested by local residents, has seen the pathway increase from 2.5 metres to 4 metres in order to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists.
• More lighting was also requested by over 75% of people and has seen HS2 add an LED lighting system which it integrated into the walkway.
• Lighting has also been positioned beneath the handrail, which also prevents light spill and supports the environment and local wildlife, such as bats which may forage below.
• In order to support safety for pedestrians and cyclists, the height of the structure separating the road from the footway has been lowered, also improving the visual aspect.
• The use of more attractive weathering steel panels which feature a perforated pattern to make the bridge appear warmer.

Further to the above changes, the design team has also recognised areas on embankments for the viaduct, which are ideal for planting woodland trees and shrubs in order to support National Vegetation Classification combinations, which include an array of plant species suited to the locality.

The project will see the viaduct built whilst the current bridge is maintained and the new superstructure fabricated on-site before being driven to its final location.

The steel deck segments for the viaduct will be pre-assembled away from the site in order to manage space effectively and will see the piers made prior to the steel deck being lifted into place. This efficient approach to managing construction will see the works completed in less time.

Whilst work is underway on Saltley Viaduct and Aston Church Road Overbridge, which is nearby, HS2 will use private roads when possible to reduce using the public road network and keeping disruption to a minimum for the local community.

Following construction, traffic will be moved to the new structure, and the remaining bridge will be demolished.

Thursday the 19th of October will see a community drop-in event takes place as follows:

• Time: 1pm to 5.30pm
• Location: Ward End Fire Station, Washwood Heath Road, Ward End, Birmingham

To attend the event, please book online via Eventbrite.

HS2’s Senior Project Manager David King said:

“The Saltley Viaduct, which will cross the HS2 railway line as it travels into the new Birmingham Curzon Street station, is an important crossing point providing access between the city centre, Nechells and Alum Rock. As we finalise designs for the new structure, a key part of our approach is to take on board feedback from the communities who will use it.”

“People were very keen for us to make improvements for pedestrians and make more space for cyclists, as well as increase lighting to improve safety at night, so we’ve been able to develop our designs to reflect this feedback.”

Nick McGough, Director at Weston Williamson + Partners, and Lead Architect for the Balfour Beatty VINCI Design Joint Venture, said:

“We’ve listened to people’s views and have created a more spacious area for both cyclists and pedestrians on both sides of the road. The parapet has been angled outward to make the most of the space and provide the best possible crossing experience on the viaduct.”

“An innovative lighting solution has also been developed which enhances light levels for pedestrians and cyclists whilst preventing light spill onto the canal below, ensuring bats and other local wildlife are not affected by the viaduct.”