HS2 has revealed revised designs of the railway in the Canley Brook area north of Kenilworth which aim to reduce environmental impacts and reduce, but not eradicate, the need to realign the river.

The design changes mean that the railway will travel in a slightly shallower and longer cutting in this area. This means that a viaduct can be built over Canley Brook, so it will now need an 80 metre diversion rather than the 700 metres in the original design.

As a result, this will lead to significantly reduced environmental impacts, including around 600,000 cubic metres less material needing to be excavated and 28,000 cubic metres less concrete needed as a result of removing the retaining wall for the Canley Brook realignment.

Less excavation and building work is also expected to cut the amount of construction traffic on local roads, removing over 2,500 lorry movements, reducing noise and disruption for the local community.

Replacement of 2km of retaining walls with cutting slopes are being introduced to reduce the 'barrier effect' of the scheme for species and provide additional opportunities for new habitats and grassland for newts and reptiles. There are also plans for improved integrated landscape design.

More vegetation will be preserved and the overall amount of land required will be reduced, meaning more land can be returned to agricultural use after construction. There are also plans to create a high-quality wetland habitat either side of the realigned section of Canley Brook, as well as additional woodland, hedgerow and species-rich grassland habitat on both sides of Crackley Road Cutting.

This will hopefully benefit a range of protected and local species.

Additional landscape bunds (raised earthwork structures) and noise barriers will be incorporated along the route for increased visual screening, better integration and to mitigate noise impacts.

Kay Hughes, HS2's Design Director said: "As we continue design development of the railway and the areas around it, our designers and engineers are continually looking to optimise the best solution to benefit communities and the environment wherever possible.

"We're pleased that these significant improvements to more effectively blend the railway into this valley in the Kenilworth area means that Canley Brook will remain in its existing position.

"This will minimise impacts on woodland, create wetland habitats and reduce construction work, which means a lower carbon footprint for the project."

Local people will have an opportunity to find out more about the refinements at a forthcoming webinar led by BBV's community engagement team. Registration is here.

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