Monday, March 11, 2024
The High-Speed 2 (HS2) project has achieved a significant milestone with the full planning approval of a green tunnel in the Burton Green area, marking a pivotal development in the region’s infrastructure. This initiative is part of HS2’s broader strategy to construct five green tunnels across the UK, aiming to integrate the high-speed railway with the natural landscape while promoting environmental sustainability.
Warwickshire District Council had previously sanctioned the southern portion of the tunnel, where the railway will be concealed within a 400-meter long structure, designed to harmonize with the surroundings through landscape planting and new footpaths. The approval by Solihull Council for the northern section completes the planning permissions required for this segment of HS2, where the railway will emerge from the tunnel’s northern portal into a 1.4-kilometer long cutting.
A notable aspect of this project is the adjustment of the Kenilworth Greenway, facilitating a continuous route from Balsall Common to Kenilworth through Burton Green for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians. The redesigned Greenway will traverse beneath Cromwell Lane and atop the green tunnel, with provisions such as noise barriers to minimize impact on local residents.
Extensive planting of native flora is planned to create biodiverse habitats alongside the Greenway, enhancing visual screening from the railway and restoring ecological connections to nearby ancient woodlands. The design, influenced by community feedback, emphasizes the creation of expansive green spaces around the railway to benefit both the environment and the local populace.
Alan Payne, HS2’s Senior Project Manager, expressed satisfaction with the approval from Solihull Council, emphasizing the commitment to enriching green spaces around the new railway and the collaborative effort with local communities to achieve a design that conserves and transforms the landscape.
The design was crafted by the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, working under HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty VINCI. The construction of the 90km stretch of HS2 by BBV from Long Itchington in Warwickshire to Birmingham and Staffordshire includes this green tunnel at Burton Green among its key components.
Shaun Ruffles of the design joint venture highlighted the success of the Burton Green green tunnel and Kenilworth Greenway realignment in meeting community aspirations for greater access and preserving the character of the landscape.
The commencement of construction for the tunnel’s underground elements has begun, involving widening of the existing railway cutting, construction of north portal wall panels, and the diversion of Cromwell Lane to facilitate the southern section’s construction. The project aims to blend the tunnel and its associated structures into the landscape, with additional measures to protect local wildlife.
Upon completion, the project promises to restore the landscape above the tunnel, creating new woodland areas, wildlife corridors, and public footpaths, thereby enhancing local biodiversity and recreational opportunities. A temporary route for the Kenilworth Greenway has been established to ensure safe passage for the community during construction.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
