HS2 has unveiled new designs for the Cubbington, Warwickshire section of the new high-speed line.
Updates made by the designers and construction engineers have led to more environmentally-friendly designs, as less time and materials will be needed for construction.
This section of the railway will now run in a V-shaped open cutting, rather than the original concrete retaining walls, with grass slopes on the embankments and green overbridges crossing the line.
These will connect existing footpaths for people to access local woodland, and native grassland and hedgerows will be planted on the bridges to create wildlife crossings and habitats for invertebrates, bats, birds and reptiles.
The new designs raise the rail line by approximately two metres, which means 150,000 less cubic metres of soil will need to be excavated.
It also means 60,000m2 less concrete and steel will be needed in construction – the equivalent of around 8,500 HGV movements – as well as less heavy machinery.
“From the beginning, our vision for HS2 has always been to leave the environment surrounding the route in the same condition, if not better, than we found it and build a cleaner and greener transport future.
“This project embodies that vision, reducing carbon equivalent of taking 8,500 HGVs off local roads, moulding our designs to ensure wildlife thrives alongside the new tracks and ensuring residents can continue to enjoy the rich nature forestry surrounding their village.”
This week a public event will be held in Cubbington Village Hall regarding the new designs.
This will include a drop-in session for people to ask generation questions regarding the HS2 project and a presentation and Q&A specifically on the updated designs.
