HS2 engineers have begun installing a dedicated cycle bridge that will connect the Offchurch Greenway in Warwickshire to Route 41 of the national cycle network.
The new bridge will complement HS2’s earlier programme of work, completed in October 2025, which saw the dual opening of nearby Fosse Way bridge and Offchurch Greenway bridge, which carry a local road and cycle route across the high-speed railway.
HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has led the installation of all three bridges, which together play a vital role in enhancing connectivity for local communities.
Work on the new cycle bridge started in July 2025. Over the last eight months, the team has dug out and replaced the old embankment, constructed the supporting abutments and wingwalls, and conducted essential drainage and structural backfill works.
To facilitate the next programme of work, the B4455 Fosse Way, near Offchurch, will be closed until Sunday 26 April 2026 to allow the new bridge to be safely lifted and lowered into position, ready to connect to the abutments.
Vicki Lee, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said:
“All three bridges will play an important role in improving safety and connectivity and I’d like to thank our team of engineers who are working exceptionally hard to deliver this programme of work.
“When the new bridge opens, I’m confident it will be welcomed by cyclists from near and far who visit Warwickshire to enjoy this stunning section of the Route 41 trail.”
The new bridge will keep cyclists and walkers away from passing traffic, making it an important local asset, as well as forming part of a national cycle route through the English countryside maintained by the charity Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
The bridge installation is being led by two female engineers working for HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI. Kathryn Morgan joined BBV’s graduate engineer programme and Charlotte Gibberson joined as civil engineering apprentice. The duo, who have played a pivotal role in HS2’s construction in the Midlands over the past three years, are delighted to be leading this latest project in South Warwickshire.
Kathryn, 25, from Penarth said:
“Offchurch Greenway Cycle Bridge is the first structure I’ve delivered since completing my graduate scheme, and it has been a major step in my development as a Section Engineer. The project has strengthened my technical skills and confidence, and I’m proud that the completed bridge will offer a safer, more accessible route for the community.”
Charlotte, 20, from Sutton Coldfield said:
“As an engineering apprentice, working on a project like HS2 is a dream come true. I’m learning from the best each and every day and applying my new skills to help build fascinating structures like this new cycle bridge. It’s exciting to see it beginning to take shape, following the recent installation of the deck over the Fosse Way.”
The bridge’s steel fabricated deck is supported by two abutments, and the exterior panels are designed in accordance with historic railway colours – reflecting feedback from local stakeholders. The bridge was manufactured by Britons Steel Fabricators in Nottinghamshire and then painted and surfaced by Jack Tighe Coatings Ltd in South Yorkshire.
Monica Fogarty, Chief Executive of Warwickshire County Council, said:
“We are proud of the county council’s notable achievements in securing better mitigation and legacy benefits from HS2 for our communities. The Fosse Way cycle bridge was a major success for us during the passage of the HS2 Act through Parliament, and we are excited to finally see this project coming to fruition.
“The bridge will provide a key link which will create a flagship cycle route from Leamington to Rugby to benefit many generations to come.”
Following the bridge’s safe installation, Kathyrn, Charlotte and the wider BBV team will turn their attention to completing the abutment side walls, earthworks to tie the existing footpath and cycle routes into the structure, tarmac works, landscaping and fence installation.
The new bridge is forecast to open in September 2026.
