Balfour Beatty VINCI Unveils Progress on HS2 ‘Green’ Bridge Near Kenilworth
Balfour Beatty VINCI has made significant strides in constructing a new green bridge crossing the HS2 high-speed railway near Kenilworth, Warwickshire. This project is a vital part of the ongoing HS2 development, aimed at improving connectivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.
The Stoneleigh Road bridge is designed to accommodate both a dual carriageway for vehicles and two nature corridors for wildlife. These green bridges are an integral part of the HS2 project, with 16 such structures planned between London and the West Midlands to help maintain wildlife corridors disrupted by the construction of the railway. The bridge will allow safe passage for various species, from small animals to birds and insects, ensuring that the local ecology remains undisturbed as it crosses the railway tracks.
The construction of the bridge began in October 2023 with initial piling work. The team involved in the project has grown to around 50 workers, managing the heavy workload required for this significant infrastructure project. The Stoneleigh Road bridge, which is 33 metres long and 42 metres wide, will play an essential role in easing traffic flow while integrating green space into the surrounding environment.
A major milestone was reached in late 2024, with a substantial pour of 1,900 cubic metres of concrete used to create the bridge’s deck slab. This huge operation was a critical component in ensuring the stability and durability of the structure. Now, as the main construction phase wraps up, the team is shifting its focus to realigning Stoneleigh Road over the bridge and constructing a new roundabout that will connect to the entrance of Stoneleigh Business Park.
Alongside this, work is underway to create the vital nature corridors. Hedgerows and vegetation will be planted in nine-metre strips along both sides of the realigned road, forming protected pathways for wildlife. These measures are an essential part of the design, offering animals a safe way to cross over the railway and continue their natural migration. The planting of these nature corridors is expected to be completed by Autumn 2025, when traffic will begin to flow over the completed bridge.
George Shopland, Project Manager at Balfour Beatty VINCI, commented, “We’ve recently completed a huge single-span deck pour on the Stoneleigh Road bridge and are finishing installing 32 parapets, each weighing nine tonnes. This is another significant achievement for the Balfour Beatty VINCI team. Completing this work means we’re entering the next exciting phase of construction, which includes realigning Stoneleigh Road over the top of the bridge and creating two green corridors on both sides of the carriageway.”
The bridge’s green design is something that has been highly praised by HS2 Ltd. Vicki Lee, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, emphasized the significance of the green space incorporated into the project, noting, “What makes Stoneleigh Road bridge special is the addition of valuable green space either side, meaning wildlife can safely pass over the high-speed railway line. Wherever possible, it’s important we integrate green measures and multifunctional design features, creating a railway that blends into the character of the surrounding landscape.”
The Stoneleigh Road bridge is just one example of the more than 500 bridging structures being constructed as part of the HS2 project, including over 50 major viaducts. These bridges will span across valleys, rivers, roads, and flood plains, contributing to the development of the railway line while ensuring that the natural environment is preserved. In total, these bridges will stretch over 15 kilometres (nine miles), reinforcing the project’s commitment to integrating infrastructure with nature.
The work on the Stoneleigh Road bridge is a testament to the growing pace of the HS2 construction between the West Midlands and London. The project is providing a significant boost to the economy, with over 31,000 jobs supported by the development. Once completed, the HS2 line will offer high-speed rail services connecting London with the West Midlands, and the line will extend further north using the existing West Coast Main Line, further contributing to the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
In conclusion, Balfour Beatty VINCI’s progress on the Stoneleigh Road green bridge marks another significant milestone in the development of HS2. This bridge not only provides vital infrastructure for transport but also prioritizes environmental sustainability by incorporating green corridors for wildlife. As part of the wider HS2 development, this project highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement with environmental responsibility, ensuring that future generations benefit from a modern, high-speed rail network that is in harmony with the natural world. With further phases of construction underway, the completed project will contribute significantly to both the transportation network and the ecological landscape of the region.
