HS2 has revealed its latest plans for the Balsall Common Viaduct – a 425-metre-long section of the new high-speed rail line, in Warwickshire.
by Rory Butler / February 14, 2023
Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) is the main contractor on the project, supported by a Design Joint Venture (JV) of Mott MacDonald and Systra.
Design changes
Design changes over the last year include reducing the size of the railway embankment parallel to Bayley’s Brook by 75m, improving flood resilience.
Kenilworth Greenway will be extended to Station Road on the south-eastern side of the railway, and a further extension towards Lavender Hall is also planned.
Structure
BBV will construct 16 piers to carry the viaduct 10m above ground, crossing Station Road, Bayley’s Brook, Heart of England Way Walk and a local floodplain.
Single piers have been reduced in size by 17%, and 28% for double piers, giving the viaduct a lighter appearance.
Significant planting and species selection is also a “key focus” for the firms.
Architect
- Weston Williamson + Partners
“Understanding the landscape context was a key focus of the design, allowing the team to create a viaduct that ‘reflects and reveals’ itself within the landscape,” said HS2.
Cost
HS2 runs from London to Manchester through Birmingham.
Its initial budget in 2015 was £55.7 billion. Recent estimates however put the total closer to £100 billion.
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