Council planners have signed off on plans for a huge footbridge to carry a public right of way over the HS2 line have been revealed.

The new bridge - which would span 76 metres - will ultimately return K29 close to its original line and carry the footpath over the railway cutting to the edge of Kenilworth.

Also known as Centenary Way, the link has been diverted since 2023 as the HS2 line is built.

The footpath was diverted around New Kingswood Farm while construction between Dalehouse Lane and the A46 progressed.

"In the context of the surrounding environment, the use of weathering steel will provide an attractive, low maintenance surface," the application to Warwick District Council said. 

The new bridge would span 76 metres (image via planning application)

"The finishes, as well as the overbridge's low positioning in the landscape will ensure that the overbridge structure is not overly visually prominent in the landscape, therefore preserving the local environment and local amenity."

The HS2 Act decrees the bridge will be built, with HS2 only able to comment on certain design elements. Plans were signed off in July.

HS2 originally said K29 would only be diverted until 31 December 2025.

The 100-mile Centenary Way starts at Kingsbury Water Park in the north of Warwickshire and makes its way down to Upper Quinton on the Gloucestershire border. 

At 4.2 metres wide, the footbridge will be a three-span bridge.

The application added: "The realigned Footpath K29 has been designed to provide a reasonably practicable direct route, whilst minimising the gradient of the footpath as far as possible."

See more here.

(Header image by Robin Stott via geograph.org)