This engagement is the latest in a long journey of continual dialogue since 2018 with the local authority, key stakeholders, the HS2 Independent Design Panel and the local community.
“We are delighted that we had a very clear majority vote from local residents in favour of the stone-like polished concrete acoustic parapets which will make a significant contribution to the unique character of the structure. The reflective qualities of these parapets will pick up on the tone and colour of the sky and surroundings. This, when combined with the whole design team’s efforts in optimising and refining the viaduct, sculpting and reducing the size of piers and blending the ends of the structure into landscaped embankments, will help integrate the viaduct into its setting.
The viaduct is being built by HS2’s main works contractor, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), supported by a Design Joint Venture of Mott MacDonald and SYSTRA together with architects Weston Williamson + Partners.
We’d like to thank people in Balsall Common for choosing the design details for this landmark viaduct and surrounding landscape in the West Midlands. We’re pleased that there were clear winners for all three elements, and that this was in line with our original proposals to the Council.
“As with all our key structures on HS2, we’ve involved the community at all stages of the design to ensure we get the best result for everyone, and over the last two years this commitment to inclusive design has helped us refine the appearance of the viaduct structure and its sensitive integration into its environment and community context.
BBV have started constructing the 16 piers which will carry the 425 metre-long viaduct up to 10 metres above ground, crossing over Station Road, Bayleys Brook, the Heart of England Way Walk and the local floodplain. Construction refinements have reduced the size of each pier by as much as 17% for single piers and 28% for double piers, giving the structure a lighter appearance and reducing the viaduct’s embodied carbon.
