HS2 has marked a significant milestone on the West Midlands section of Britain’s high-speed railway, with engineers installing the final roof segment on the 700-metre-long Burton Green tunnel.
Constructed beneath the village of Burton Green near Kenilworth, the 16-metre-wide, twin-box tunnel is designed to carry high-speed services in both directions. An internal dividing wall will separate northbound trains heading towards Birmingham, Manchester and Scotland from southbound services travelling to London via Old Oak Common and Euston.
With the primary civil engineering works now complete, the project enters its next phase, focusing on landscape integration. A 500-metre ‘green roof’ will be installed to help the structure blend into its surroundings while creating accessible green space for the local community.
Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “With the main civil engineering complete, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the 150-strong team on the ground, we can now begin the next phase of this exciting project.
We look forward to working with local communities to bring the bold design vision for Burton Green tunnel to life, maximising the potential of this new green space.”
Reconnecting communities and restoring green space
A strong emphasis has been placed on reconnecting Burton Green, with the scheme designed to link both sides of the village. Once complete, the Kenilworth Greenway will be reinstated close to its original alignment, running above the tunnel and providing a continuous route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders between Balsall Common and Kenilworth.
Tim Akers, Design Manager from the Mott MacDonald/SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, said: “A range of techniques were incorporated into the design to enable construction through this narrow corridor within the village. The end result will be a railway within a landscape, where the original character of the Kenilworth Greenway and ecological connectivity to the wider landscape are restored over the buried tunnel.”
Sustainability has been central to delivery, with excavated material reused for wider landscaping works. Extensive planting of native trees and shrubs is planned to support biodiversity and reconnect habitats between Black Waste Wood and Little Poors Wood.
Complex delivery and next construction stages
HS2’s construction partner, Balfour Beatty VINCI (BBV), is now progressing the final structural elements, including installation of the southern escape walkway and fire-proofing measures within the tunnel.
Rupert Blake, Project Manager for BBV, said: “The structural completion of Burton Green tunnel is a huge moment for BBV and our supply chain partners, who’ve worked tirelessly over the last five years to get us here.
“A range of construction techniques have been used to deliver this complex engineering project, showcasing the team’s skill, expertise and resilience. The next step is to install a 500-metre green roof on top of the structure, so it integrates into the natural landscape."
Delivering the tunnel beneath an active village required careful planning to maintain access throughout construction. Cromwell Lane, a key local route, was temporarily diverted but is scheduled to reopen on its original alignment in October following utility works.
Temporary provisions have also been made to keep the Kenilworth Greenway operational during construction, with a rerouted path connecting Burton Green Village Hall to Berkswell Station.
Supply chain collaboration and engineering expertise
Galldris Group, the main civils subcontractor, has played a central role in delivering the structure and associated retaining works, with a workforce of more than 100 people on site.
Ibrahim Arshad, Senior Project Manager from Galldris Group, said: “From start to finish, we have provided engineering expertise, detailed planning and self-delivery capabilities to safely deliver this complex section of HS2.
“Working collaboratively with Balfour Beatty VINCI, the design joint venture and the wider supply chain, we are proud to have contributed to the structural completion of one of HS2's most significant green tunnels.”
Part of a wider programme of ‘green tunnels’
Burton Green is one of five ‘green tunnels’ along the HS2 route, using a cut-and-cover design finished with vegetation to minimise visual impact. Other tunnels are located at Copthall (London), Wendover (Buckinghamshire), and Chipping Warden and Greatworth (Northamptonshire).
The milestone comes as HS2 reaches peak construction across the 140-mile route between London and the West Midlands. Recent progress has included installing the railway’s tallest viaduct in Birmingham and completing piling works at Curzon Street station, as the project undergoes a broader efficiency reset under CEO Mark Wild.
Image and video credits: HS2
