The two new HS2 viaducts are the project’s final ‘Key Design Element’ structures in the West Midlands, marking the next phase of construction
Saltley Viaduct and the River Blythe Viaduct are the two latest HS2 ‘Key Design Element’ or KDE structures to gain approval from local councils, marking the latest phase of bringing HS2 into Birmingham.
Eight KDEs on the West Midlands section of the route have now passed the Schedule 17 process.
Because of their size and scale of construction, HS2 has engaged with local communities to incorporate feedback into the plans where possible.
Environmental concerns have been integrated into the River Blythe Viaduct plans
The River Blythe Viaduct has received Schedule 17 planning approval from Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
A 475-metre low-lying structure just south of the new HS2 Interchange Station in Solihull, it is designed to skim the flat agricultural landscape as it crosses the River Blythe, the floodplain and Meriden Road near Hampton in Arden.
Feedback from the local community has been incorporated into the planning of the construction of this viaduct, particularly regarding tree planting and protecting the local environment in the areas near the river which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Increased provision for cyclists was included after public consultation on Saltley Viaduct
Saltley Viaduct has received planning approval from Birmingham City Council. It is a 225-metre structure, including approaches, located two miles north-east of Birmingham city centre, and will take the B4144 road over the HS2 line, the Birmingham and Warwick Junction Canal, the Birmingham and Derby rail line and the River Rea.
It provides access to the city centre and the wards of Nechells and Alum Rock.
A wider pathway to make room for cyclists, additional lighting, and replacing stainless steel material with weathering steel panels and a perforated pattern, were key requirements from local people, which have all been incorporated.
The two new HS2 viaducts are “significant milestones” for the project
Stephen Powell, HS2 Ltd’s head of delivery, said: “Achieving these two KDE planning approvals is a significant milestone for the project. It’s been hugely important for us to engage and consult with communities as we reach the final design stages of these key structures in the West Midlands, and we’re very grateful for the feedback they have provided.
“Our designers have incorporated local feedback in all of these Key Design Element structures, including enhanced environmental features, use of materials and additional amenities such as footpaths and cycling tracks in the areas around them, ensuring that we have the best outcome for everyone.”
Nick McGough, director at Weston Williamson + Partners and lead architect for the Balfour Beatty VINCI Design Joint Venture, which is designing HS2 in the West Midlands, said: “All of HS2 needs to be designed sensitively, but KDE structures in particular were identified through the parliamentary process due to their scale and significance.
“The whole team has worked incredibly hard for over 6 years to engage local communities in a process which has involved Local Authorities, key stakeholders and the HS2 Independent Design Panel.”
Over 9,000 people and 400 companies are working on HS2 in the West Midlands
Other KDEs in Birmingham include the Aston Church Road Overbridge and the Balsall Common Viaduct. Overall, Balfour Beatty VINCI is building 42 viaducts (totalling 11km), 62 overbridges, 62 embankments, 34 cuttings, 28 underbridges, and 11 underpasses, along with two twin bore tunnels and two cut-and-cover tunnels (totalling 15km).
The project team is responsible for delivering the 90km stretch of the route spanning from Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Handsacre in Staffordshire.
