HS2 has revealed the latest progress on a new 'green bridge' set to cross the high-speed railway near Stoneleigh.

Stoneleigh Road bridge will carry the road over the line and provide two 'nature corridors' giving safe passage for wildlife to cross the railway.

It is one of 16 similar green bridges on the HS2 project between London and the West Midlands.

Piling work on the bridge, which is 33 metres long and 42 metres wide, started in October 2023, with a team of 50 people on site at its peak.

The team has recently been making the finishing touches to the bridge, including the installation of 32 parapets, following a huge pour of 1,900 cubic metres of concrete to create a deck slab in late 2024.

The new bridge is near NAEC Stoneleigh (image via HS2)

With the main construction work now complete, engineers will begin realigning Stoneleigh Road over the top of the bridge and constructing a new roundabout linking to the main entrance of Stoneleigh Business Park. 

Hedgerows and vegetation will then be planted in nine-metre strips either side of the realigned road.

The works are due to finish in autumn 2025.

Vicki Lee, senior project manager for HS2 Ltd, said: "A big thank you to everyone involved both onsite and behind the scenes as we reach this exciting next phase of Stoneleigh Road green bridge's development, following a great deal of hard work.                      

"What makes Stoneleigh Road bridge special is the addition of valuable green space either side, meaning wildlife can safely pass over the high-speed railway line.

"Wherever possible, it's important we integrate green measures and multifunctional design features, creating a railway that blends into the character of the surrounding landscape."

A CGI impression of how the junction will look (image via HS2)

The bridge is is 33 metres long and 42 metres wide (image via HS2)