Have your say on HS2's planned 425-metre viaduct in Balsall Common
By James Smith
29th Jun 2022 | Local News
Time is running out to have your say on HS2's plans to build a 425-metre viaduct in Balsall Common.
Residents have until July 1 to submit their responses to an online questionnaire about the plans.
HS2 has designated the project a 'key design element' - meaning it wants to involve the local community in the design.
The bridge, which will be ten metres high, will pass over Truggist Lane, Bayleys Brook, Heart of England Way Walk and the associated floodplain.
It will also cross a wetland close to Bayleys Brook which includes a number of fishing lakes.
HS2 said it aims to keep disruption to roads and public rights of way to a minimum.
And it says it will extend the Kenilworth Greenway to Station Road with the potential to extend it northwards along the viaduct to Lavender Hall Lane.
The bridge will mostly be constructed out of concrete and will be "durable and low maintenance for HS2's 120 year design life".
And before the high speed rail developers begins construction, it is looking for feedback on footpaths and cycleways and how they will connect in the area.
This as well as "community opportunities for the area surrounding the viaduct".
Partners Balfour Beatty VINCI say it will "help minimise the impacts of construction" by using precast sections for the viaduct - and a noise barrier will also be built.
There will be both temporary and permanent diversions of the existing waterways.
BBV also said it would use "haul routes wherever possible to reduce the impact on local roads".
Trees will be planted along the embankments and in a new woodland off Truggist Lane.
"As they mature into the historic environment, they will gradually screen the embankments and trains," an HS2 statement said.
"A woodland will be also be planted immediately north of Truggist Lane which will partially screen the viaduct from properties to the north-east.
"Then embankments will blend in with the surrounding landscape through gentle slopes and a carefully designed transition, while the areas of woodland and grassland will enhance existing habitats."
For further information view or download the Balsall Common Viaduct KDE information & questionnaire .
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