HS2, the UK’s high-speed rail project, has revealed designs for the largest green bridge in the country—a 99-meter-wide wildlife crossing near Brackley.
The structure will span the width of the railway, creating a natural corridor for local fauna and enhancing regional biodiversity.
CGI showing the Turweston green bridge from track level
The green bridge, designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, will feature native hedgerows, trees, and vegetation planted atop precast concrete slabs. This green infrastructure will provide a safe passage for various animals, including mammals, insects, and birds, mitigating the impact of the rail line on wildlife populations. The crossing will also accommodate a footpath and bridleway, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to traverse the railway safely.
According to HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager, Elizabeth Longinotti, the Brackley Green Bridge exemplifies HS2’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation. “Green bridges are still rare in the UK and just one example of how HS2 is leading the way in terms of environmental protection,” she stated. “The bridge at Turweston will help keep communities connected while supporting wildlife and biodiversity on either side of the railway.”
The structure, designed by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB and its partners, incorporates several engineering optimizations to minimize its environmental footprint. By leveraging better-than-expected ground conditions and design refinements, the team reduced the bridge’s carbon footprint by an impressive 42%. This was achieved by eliminating 102 deep piles in favour of shallow foundations, significantly reducing the amount of carbon-intensive concrete and steel required.
CGI showing Turweston green bridge from the side
CGI showing birds eye view of the road layout on top of the Turweston green bridge
Construction of the green bridge is already underway, with excavation of the railway cutting and foundation works in progress. The next phase, assembly of the steelwork, is scheduled to commence later this year. Thirty-six steel beams will support the structure, with precast concrete slabs forming the deck. The final steps will involve landscaping 2,700 cubic meters of earth over the top and planting the carefully selected vegetation.
Image showing work on the foundations for the Turweston green bridge Jan 2024 
Image showing work on the foundations for the Turweston green bridge Feb 2024
The Brackley Green Bridge is just one of 16 similar structures planned along the HS2 route, showcasing the project’s dedication to preserving and enhancing the natural environment. In addition, five green tunnels, some up to 1.5 miles long, will further minimize the railway’s impact on the surroundings. These green infrastructure elements will help integrate 33 square kilometres of new wildlife habitats, including 7 million new trees and shrubs, alongside the high-speed line.
As HS2 forges ahead, connecting London and Birmingham with state-of-the-art transportation infrastructure, initiatives like the Brackley Green Bridge demonstrate that environmental stewardship remains a core priority. By investing in innovative design solutions and green infrastructure, HS2 aims to set new standards for sustainable rail development, minimizing ecological disruption while delivering the benefits of high-speed travel to communities nationwide.
TLDR:
- HS2 reveals designs for Britain’s largest green bridge near Brackley
- 99m-wide wildlife crossing with vegetation to promote biodiversity
- The innovative design reduces carbon footprint by 42%
- Part of HS2’s commitment to environmental sustainability
- One of 16 green bridges and 5 green tunnels planned along the route
