Replacing the previous concrete retaining walls, this section of the railway will now run in a V-shaped open cutting with grass slopes on the embankments and with green bridges for both wildlife and the local community.
The new designs raise the high speed rail line by around two metres, avoiding the need to excavate 150,000 cubic metres of soil - the equivalent of 60 Olympic-sized swimming pools. It also means 60,000 cubic metres less concrete and steel is needed in construction, cutting the project’s carbon footprint. That’s the equivalent of around 8,500 HGV movements, and less heavy machinery will be required to construct the railway in this location.
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A key feature of the design includes the construction of two green overbridges, connecting existing footpaths for people to access local woodland areas. Native grassland and hedgerows will be planted on the bridges, creating wildlife crossings and habitats for invertebrates, bats, birds, and reptiles.
In addition, HS2's construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI Joint Venture, and their environmental partners are planting approximately 12 hectares (equivalent to just over 10 football pitches) of woodland near South Cubbington Wood and around a further 18 hectares (about the area of 15 football pitches) of trees across the wider Cubbington area.
HS2 Minister Andrew Stephenson said: "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."
