Designs for a new bridge to carry the A64 over the new HS2 line near Kenilworth have been signed off.

The high speed rail developer says the dual carriageway will be closed for just 10 days to install the structure, which will mostly be built alongside the road before being slid into place.

Warwick District Council planners have now given the green light to the plans for the A46 Kenilworth Bypass Overbridge.

The application to the council shows the structure will be 50 metres long and 40 metres wide, and will be big enough for an extra lane in each direction, should this ever be needed in the future.

HS2 is already well underway preparing the cutting on either side of the A46, and only needs the council to give permission on certain elements of the design.

"The A46 Kenilworth Bypass Overbridge has been subject to design refinement, assuring that it produces minimal negative impact," the application said.

It added: " The A46 box structure will be constructed offline to minimise impact on the strategic road network, before being jacked into place under a 10 day blockade."

The high speed rail developer has already been given permission for a major compound next to the A46 at Stoneleigh, which it says will be where the works are managed from.

HS2 works at the A46 crossing (image by Robin Stott)

The plans say HS2 hopes to "minimise traffic disruption on the A46".

"The A46 Kenilworth Bypass Overbridge is a road bridge that reinstates the A46 as it crosses over the HS2 railway tracks," the application explains. 

"The new carriageway will generally be at the same line and level as existing. 

"The structure consists of a concrete box structure with three spans that will be jacked into position during a temporary closure of the road. 

"The proposed design includes National Highways future provision for widening by an additional lane in each direction on the structure."

See the full application here.

HS2 is already working on the cutting either side of the A46 (image by Robin Stott)

(Inset images by Robin Stott via geograph.org.uk)