HS2 engineers have begun installing a new dedicated cycle bridge in South Warwickshire, creating a crucial new link between the Offchurch Greenway and National Cycle Network Route 41. The structure forms part of HS2’s wider programme of environmental mitigation and community connectivity works alongside the high‑speed railway.
The new cycle bridge builds on a significant milestone achieved in October 2025, when HS2 completed the dual opening of the nearby Fosse Way bridge and the Offchurch Greenway bridge. These two structures carry a local road and a cycle route safely across the HS2 alignment, improving access and reducing severance for local communities.
HS2’s main works contractor in the region, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), has delivered all three bridges. Together, they play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing east‑west connectivity in Warwickshire during and beyond the construction of Britain’s new high‑speed railway.
Eight Months of Enabling Works Completed
Construction of the new Offchurch Greenway Cycle Bridge began in July 2025. Over the past eight months, the project team has removed and replaced the existing embankment, constructed reinforced concrete abutments and wingwalls, and completed critical drainage and structural backfill works to prepare the site for the bridge deck installation.
To allow the next phase of work to be carried out safely, the B4455 Fosse Way near Offchurch will be closed until Sunday 26 April 2026, enabling the bridge deck to be lifted and lowered into position onto the prepared 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.”
Improving Safety and Supporting Active Travel
Once open, the bridge will provide a traffic‑free crossing for cyclists and walkers, removing the need to interact with fast‑moving vehicles on the local road network. It will also form part of a nationally significant active travel corridor through the English countryside, maintained by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
The bridge features a steel fabricated deck supported by two concrete abutments. Its exterior panels have been designed using historic railway colour palettes following consultation with local stakeholders. The deck was manufactured by Britons Steel Fabricators in Nottinghamshire and subsequently painted and surfaced by Jack Tighe Coatings Ltd in South Yorkshire.
Female Engineers Lead Landmark Installation
The bridge installation is being led by two female engineers from BBV, highlighting the growing role of women in UK major infrastructure delivery.
Kathryn Morgan joined BBV through its graduate engineer programme, while Charlotte Gibberson joined as a civil engineering apprentice. Both have played pivotal roles on HS2 in the Midlands over the past three years.
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, added:
“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.”
Long‑Term Legacy for Warwickshire
Warwickshire County Council has long championed the scheme as a key legacy benefit arising from HS2.
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 successful installation of the bridge deck, BBV’s team will complete the abutment side walls, earthworks to tie in existing footpaths and cycle routes, surfacing, landscaping and fencing works.
The Offchurch Greenway Cycle Bridge is forecast to open in September 2026.
Image and video credits: HS2
