Hs2 Green bridge deck underway

By gregory nelsonNovember 19, 2024

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Engineers from HS2’s EKFB consortium have started assembling an innovative green bridge at Turweston, located on the edge of Buckinghamshire and West Northamptonshire.

The 5,940-square-meter bridge, near Brackley, is designed to carry a country lane and footpath across the new high-speed railway. Additionally, it incorporates wildlife-friendly features, including safe corridors for small animals, insects, and birds. The bridge will be planted with hedgerows and vegetation to create a natural cover for wildlife crossing one of the railway’s longest and deepest cuttings.

The beams, each weighing up to 105 tonnes, are being lifted into place in pairs. These beams will form the foundation for a concrete deck constructed with pre-cast slabs. Once completed, the deck will support 2,700 cubic metres of earth, forming the final landscaped structure.

Progress and Construction Details
With the foundations now complete, engineers have begun lifting 36 steel beams that will support the nearly 100-meter-wide structure. After completing the main bridge structure, excavation work will resume beneath the bridge to finish the cutting where the railway track will be laid.

Cameron Thompson, HS2’s Head of Delivery, commented:

“It’s great to see the first beams lifted into position at Turweston. Once complete, this impressive structure will help keep communities connected while protecting wildlife and biodiversity on either side of the railway.

“Green bridges are relatively rare in the UK, so it’s fascinating to see this project come together, and I look forward to seeing it progress over the coming years.”

Benefits of the Project
The cutting under the bridge will extend for 1.5 miles, connecting the Westbury and Turweston viaducts on the outskirts of Brackley. This design minimizes noise and disruption for local residents while promoting ecological connectivity.