Rural bridges
Keeping people, farms and wildlife connected
Our rural bridges are an essential part of the new high-speed railway. They provide safe, accessible crossings for local roads, farm vehicles, footpaths, bridleways, cyclists and wildlife where the line passes through countryside and village communities.
While smaller than our big urban viaducts, these structures play a vital role. They maintain everyday connectivity and respect the character of rural landscapes along our route.
Standardised footbridge design
We’ve unveiled standardised designs for rural footbridges that will carry local footpaths and bridleways across the railway in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northamptonshire. These new crossings are tailored to rural settings and user needs.
Typical design features include:
- weathering steel structures that age to a natural russet brown, helping them blend into the landscape
- outward-leaning sides to maximise views of the countryside
- internal oak panelling and perforated stainless-steel detailing to open views along the route
- spans typically about 42 metres, with extended lengths where needed
- step-free, gently sloping approaches for all users, including wheelchair users and horse riders
- wider 3.5 metre bridleway bridges with non-slip surfacing and 2.5 metre footbridges for pedestrians and cyclists
- designs developed with guidance from the British Horse Society to make sure horse riders feel comfortable and safe
These bridges are engineered to remain safe and comfortable even when high-speed trains pass beneath.
Slide 1 of 4: Artist impression showing footbridge design for rural Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northants - by HS2 main works contractor EKFB working with designers ASC and architects Moxon.
Slide 2 of 4: Artist impression showing footbridge design for rural Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northants - by HS2 main works contractor EKFB working with designers ASC and architects Moxon.
Slide 3 of 4: Artist impression showing footbridge design for rural Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northants - by HS2 main works contractor EKFB working with designers ASC and architects Moxon.
Slide 4 of 4: Artist impression showing footbridge design for rural Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and West Northants - by HS2 main works contractor EKFB working with designers ASC and architects Moxon.
Green bridges for nature and traffic
As well as foot and access bridges, we’re building larger green bridges. These are multifunctional crossings designed to carry both vehicles, footpaths and wildlife over the railway.
One of the most advanced examples is the Stoneleigh Road green bridge near Kenilworth in Warwickshire. We’ve now completed main construction on this structure, reaching a key milestone.
The Stoneleigh Road bridge:
- measures 33 metres long and 42 metres wide, carrying the B4113 over the railway
- has two dedicated nature corridors on either side of the road so wildlife can cross safely
- required a 1,900 cubic metre concrete deck pour, completed in late 2024, followed by installation of 32 heavy parapets
Our engineers are now preparing to realign Stoneleigh Road over the bridge and build a new roundabout connecting to Stoneleigh Business Park. We’ll plant hedgerows and other vegetation in 9 metre strips on either side, creating enhanced habitat corridors for birds, insects and small mammals.
We’re building these green bridges as part of a series of multifunctional crossings between London and the West Midlands.
Latest progress
Road and cycle bridges supporting local connectivity
Alongside dedicated foot and wildlife crossings, we’re also building traditional rural bridges that carry local roads and cycle routes over the railway.
Two recent completions in Warwickshire include:
- the new Fosse Way (B4455) bridge, a 78 metre road bridge near Leamington Spa that carries local traffic over the HS2 route
- the Offchurch Greenway bridge, a 68 metre structure carrying a popular walking and cycle path, with grass verges to support wildlife movement
These bridges do not just restore historic connections. The Fosse Way follows the route of the ancient Roman road. They also improve access for everyday travel as construction progresses.
Designed for people and place
Our rural bridges are not simply functional crossings. We design them with people, wildlife and place in mind. Landscape architects work closely with engineers to make sure structures sit comfortably within the countryside, using natural materials, sensitive proportions and appropriate planting.
Where possible, we design bridges to feel like natural extensions of existing routes. We consider surfaces, gradients and sightlines that support walkers, cyclists, horse riders and drivers alike.