HS2 launches final viaduct on the approach to Birmingham's Curzon Street Station

HS2 engineers have completed the first major phase of work to launch the Duddeston Junction Viaduct over the Birmingham to Derby railway lines.

It marks the start of a huge operation to cross six railway tracks – three freight lines and three passenger lines - which is expected to conclude next summer.

Duddeston Junction is the first, and longest, in a series of five interconnecting viaducts – known as the Curzon Approaches - which weave through Birmingham’s industrial heartlands on the approach to Curzon Street Station.

While Curzon 2 is visually striking, Duddeston Junction Viaduct stands out for its geometry and complexity.

The structure follows a varying horizontal curve and has a three percent gradient, rising from the ground to sit 12 metres above the existing tracks. This makes construction, logistics and alignment significantly more challenging.

This month, the engineering team behind the build and launch operation reached their first major milestone, as they successfully launched the first 170 metres of the 700-metre-long structure over two key freight lines that transport goods into the city.

The HS2 route through inner city Birmingham is rapidly taking shape. Once complete, trains will emerge from Bromford Tunnel and travel in a cutting through Washwood Heath.

They then begin their ascent through Saltley on a retaining wall, which connects to Duddeston Junction Viaduct. At this point, the high-speed railway is approximately 12 metres above ground, providing safe clearance over the six railway lines below.

Network Rail and HS2 are also reminding passengers to plan ahead over the upcoming August bank holiday weekend, when HS2 work will take place near Duddeston to install the first section of the new Saltley viaduct.

The vital work will take place between Saturday 29 and Monday 31 August, with passengers advised to check before they travel using National Rail Enquiries.