HS2’s Balsall Common Viaduct in Warwickshire has now seen plans put forward to Solihull Council which embody feedback provided by the local community with a focus on:

• Environment Sustainability
• Landscape Integration
• Visual Connectivity
• Public Access

Balfour Beatty VINCI is HS2‘s main works contractor and is supported by a Design Joint Venture made up of Mott MacDonald, Systra and architects Weston Williamson & Partners. A collaborative effort has seen public engagement in the local area over a 12-month period in order to generate feedback regarding the viaduct which will be a huge 425-metre-long section of the zero-carbon high-speed rail line.

A key aim for the design was understanding the context of the landscape, which enabled the team to create a structure which both reflects and reveals itself as part of the landscape.

Planting and the choice of species were also extremely important to the project which now features wet woodland planting with native local species alongside mixed native woodlands plantlife including midland hawthorn and black poplar. Woodland edge planting has also been a key focus in order to create screening alongside hedgerows which will support wildlife connections.

In order to reconnect with the historic local growing of flax for weaving into linen, an alternate grass species mix will be planted which features stunning blue flowered plants including blue flax, cornflower and forget-me-nots. The project will also see bird boxes added to trees in a number of locations which will support common bird species including robin, blue-tit and great-tit.

Bayleys Brook will see a realignment which will support increased habitat for fish, aquatic invertebrates and possibly water voles!

Changes to the size of the railway embankment which runs parallel with Bayleys Brook for 75 metres will also support resilience to flooding for the areas whilst creating better views through the viaduct of the landscape as a whole.

Kenilworth Greenway will also see an extension to Station Road on the southeastern side of the current rail line which will provide improved connectivity. A further extension heading to Lavender Hall is currently being considered alongside options for cycle and bridleway extensions.

HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager for Balsall Common, Alan Payne said: “Over the last couple of years, we’ve worked closely with the community and local councillors to incorporate their feedback on Balsall Common Viaduct as much as possible. We’re confident that our plans respect and enhance the local history and natural environment of the area, and will provide new green areas for people and wildlife to enjoy.

“The HS2 project supports nearly 30,000 jobs – of which nearly 9,000 are employed in the West Midlands, with local businesses across the region benefitting from supply chain contracts. Once complete, HS2 will transform journeys across the UK, help boost the economy and provide extra capacity on the existing rail network.”

Shaun Ruffles, Landscape Architecture Director from HS2’s Design Joint Venture said: “The team have worked hard over the past 4 years to significantly improve on the hybrid Bill design to ensure that the environment and people using the area are at the heart of the design.

“The finalised design for the Balsall Common Viaduct has been driven by its context and responds directly to it. The concept of ‘reflect and reveal’ has been key to this, with views of the viaduct revealed and filtered by the mature oak trees in the wider historic landscape. The viaduct is further integrated through its reflection in local water features and in the polished acoustic parapets which will reflect the skyline, lightening the structure further.”

Balfour Beatty VINCI will create 16 piers which will hold the viaduct 10 metres over the ground and will cross Station Road, Bayleys Brook, Heart of England Way Walk and the local floodplain.

Refinements made to the construction of the piers have seen each pier reduced by up to 17% for single piers and 28% for double piers which will create a lighter appearance on completion. In response to feedback regarding the viaduct’s appearance at Station Road will now feature a unique pattern connecting to the area’s local history.

An event to view the latest plans and talk to the HS2 team will be taking place on Thursday the 16th of February at Balsall Common Village. To register to attend the event, please visit: www.hs2.org.uk/balsall-common

The vast HS2 project employs over 6,800 people in the West Midlands area.