Updated HS2 designs for Cubbington set to deliver big environmental benefits for local area
HS2’s designers and construction contractors have released updated, more environmentally-friendly designs for the Cubbington Area in Warwickshire, reducing the materials and time needed for construction.
- HS2 design update for the Cubbington area in Warwickshire includes new landscaped slopes and green bridges that will provide habitats and connections for wildlife.
- Updated designs will reduce the volume of concrete and steel required by 60,000 cubic metres – that’s the equivalent of around 8,500 HGV movements.
- A public event will be held in April where people can find out more.
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.
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.
www.hs2.com
