Giant piers being built for Curzon 3 viaduct in Birminghan

HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV) have been carrying out foundation works on site to prepare for the installation of the piers, with the deepest pile reaching 34 metres below ground. The piers are built in two segments, starting with a stem pour which links the viaduct foundation with the V-shaped part of the pier. The construction team then lift the prefabricated steel cage above the stem and install steel panels around the cage. Concrete is poured into the formwork and left to cure for one week before removal of the panels, forming the pier’s V shape.