A major UK infrastructure project has revealed the first concept pictures of a 99m wide green bridge which will cross the HS2 railway.
The extra wide bridge at Turweston will take a local road, a footpath and bridleway across the new railway. It will be planted with hedgerows and vegetation.
The aim of green bridges is to protect birds, mammals, insects and reptiles by preserving larger areas of habitat. Green bridges also reduce noise and protect countryside views.
CGI design for the green bridge at Turweston. Credit: HS2
This bridge goes over one of the railway’s longest, deepest cuttings, which runs for 2.4km. It was designed by EKFB, a team consisting of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and BAM Nuttall. Also involved were design partner ASC, which is a joint venture of Arcadis Setec and COWI, with input from architects Moxon.
The deck of pre-cast concrete rests on 36 steel beams. On top of this will lie 2,700 cubic meters of soil, landscaped with hedges and vegetation.