'Bellingham bridge ' to light up HS2 's gateway into Birmingham
HS2 Ltd has revealed designs for the 150-metre section of viaduct as part of the approach to Birmingham 's new Curzon Street Station, including a 25-metre-high truss which will create a new icon on the city 's skyline.
A unique light installation, designed by British artist Liz West, will introduce a dynamic colour palette to the apertures of the steel truss, framing views of the city. Titled as 'Out of the Blue ', the proposed artwork will establish the bridge as a stunning feature of the city 's landscape both during the day and at night, when the artwork will come to life.
The Curzon 2 bridge, which has been nicknamed “The Bellingham Bridge ” by the team in honour of England superstar and Stourbridge-born Jude Bellingham 's performances at the World Cup, is the tallest structure in the sequence of viaducts and structures that make up the Curzon Street Approaches.
A truss bridge is light but strong, composed of connected elements that form triangular units, and is economic to build because it 's constructed using a relatively small amount of material.
HS2 Ltd 's design director, Kay Hughes said: “Our design ambition for the Curzon 2 bridge is to create an elegant, iconic structure, fitting of its prominence on the Birmingham skyline, creating a legacy for HS2 and contributing positively to the city 's identity day and night.
“The curved truss design celebrates Birmingham 's industrial heritage, and we 're pleased that we 've been able to engage a prominent artist to work with our architects to create a distinctive lighting installation, which will be a striking addition to Birmingham's city skyline."
The gently curved truss is 150-metres long and 25 metres tall. It will be assembled on the ground and then launched into its final position over the existing Victorian brick rail viaduct at around 17 metres above the ground, so the whole structure will be 40 metres high.
HS2 trains will cross the truss bridge to leave the city towards HS2 's Washwood Heath Depot. The site, located northeast of Birmingham City Centre, will maintain, service, and store HS2 trains when not in use, generating over 500 long-term jobs for local people.
Artist Liz West said: “The core concept of my work is to depict and symbolize a physical and metaphorical meeting point of colours, people and spaces, linking locations through the creation of an immersive, atmospheric and experiential encounter.
“The use of colour, light and form creates a sense of connectivity and movement, echoing the ways in which the public use, navigate and experience train travel. ”
The River Rea, a small watercourse that runs through the city, will pass close to the southern section of the viaduct, presenting a unique opportunity to establish a pond next to Inkerman Street for foraging urban bird species, insects, and bats.
Designs can be viewed at an engagement event on Thursday 15 December from 4pm to 7.30pm at West Midlands Fire Service 's HQ, 99 Vauxhall Road, Birmingham, B7 4HW: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bbv-in-birmingham-community-design-event-curzon-viaduct-approach-tickets-477157399627