What is the Bellingham Bridge and why are residents upset?

The Bellingham Bridge is a new, large HS2 viaduct near Birmingham city centre. Residents are upset because it looms over their homes, blocks sunlight, and causes disruption.

What are the main concerns of residents living near the HS2 Bellingham Bridge?

Residents are concerned about the bridge's size, blocked sunlight, ongoing construction disruption, and future noise from high-speed trains. They also cite worsened traffic and parking issues.

What is HS2's perspective on the Bellingham Bridge?

HS2 views the Bellingham Bridge as a future icon for Birmingham's skyline, celebrating industrial heritage, and is working to minimize construction disruption with modern noise barriers.

Home / Lifestyle / Residents' 'Daily Hell' Under New HS2 Viaduct

Residents' 'Daily Hell' Under New HS2 Viaduct

20 Jan

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Summary

A 150m HS2 bridge named Bellingham looms over Birmingham homes.
Residents report loss of sunlight and constant construction site feeling.
Concerns grow over noise, traffic, and parking disruption post-completion.

Residents' 'Daily Hell' Under New HS2 Viaduct

Residents in Birmingham are experiencing what they describe as 'daily hell' due to the construction of the Bellingham Bridge, a 150-meter-long HS2 viaduct. This structure, one of the tallest planned for HS2, towers over nearby homes, with some residents likening its imposing presence to 'Godzilla.' The construction, which began in Autumn 2023, has already led to significant disruption, including blocked sunlight and a pervasive feeling of living on a building site.

Beyond the visual impact, locals express deep concerns about the future when high-speed trains begin operating. They anticipate unbearable noise and vibrations that could shake their homes. The surrounding areas, particularly Duddeston, are already grappling with worsened traffic and parking situations, which residents believe will only escalate once the rail line is fully operational. HS2 Ltd states that the bridge will become an 'icon' and acknowledges the need to minimize disruption, promising modern standards with noise barriers.