HS2 has completed the installation of the final viaduct on the approach to Birmingham's Curzon Street station, marking a significant milestone in the construction of the high-speed railway line. The 160-metre-long structure, known as the Curzon Street Viaduct, was lifted into place over the weekend, connecting the line to the new station.
Viaduct installation details
The viaduct, which weighs approximately 3,500 tonnes, was constructed off-site and then transported to the location in Birmingham's city centre. It was lifted into position using a series of hydraulic jacks, a process that took several days to complete. The structure spans over the A4540 ring road and the Birmingham to Derby railway line, forming a key link in the route.
According to HS2 Ltd, the viaduct is the final major structure to be installed on the approach to Curzon Street station, which is set to become the terminus for the high-speed line. The station itself is currently under construction, with the main building works expected to be completed by the end of the decade.
Impact on Birmingham's transport network
The completion of the viaduct brings HS2's Birmingham Curzon Street station a step closer to opening, which is anticipated to transform travel times and connectivity in the region. Once operational, HS2 will reduce journey times from Birmingham to London to under 50 minutes, compared to the current average of around 1 hour 20 minutes on conventional services.
HS2 Ltd's project manager for the Birmingham area, David Winter, said: "This is a major achievement for the team and marks a significant step forward in delivering HS2 to Birmingham. The viaduct is a crucial piece of infrastructure that will carry high-speed trains into the heart of the city."
Next steps for the project
Work on the Curzon Street station site is continuing, with the installation of platforms, tracks, and the station building itself. The station is designed to accommodate up to 12 trains per hour at peak times, serving both HS2 and conventional rail services. The project is part of the wider HS2 Phase One, which runs from London to Birmingham and is scheduled to open between 2029 and 2033.
The viaduct installation is one of several major engineering achievements on the route, including the construction of the Colne Valley Viaduct and the Chiltern Tunnels. HS2 Ltd confirmed that the viaduct will now be connected to the existing track bed, with further testing and commissioning to follow before the line enters service.
