Balsall Common Viaduct plans submitted
Project to build 10 metre-high bridge also aims to improve local woodland, wildlife habitats and flood resilience.
PLANS for the 425 metre
(465 yard) Balsall Common Viaduct in Warwickshire have been submitted by HS2 Ltd to Solihull Council, following a year of engagement with local people over its construction.
The structure will span
Station Road, Bayleys Brook and Heart of England Way Walk as well as the local floodplain on 16 piers, 10 metres (33 feet) above ground level. Refinements to its design have reduced the size of the piers giving it a lighter appearance, and a section at Station Road will be finished with a pattern reflecting the area’s history.
HS2 Ltd says understanding the bridge’s place in the landscape was of real importance to the design.
The revised proposals also include wet woodland planting, including local species midland hawthorn and black poplar, as well as woodland edge planting for screening and hedgerows to improve the surroundings for wildlife.
Concept
Design joint venture architecture director Shaun Ruffles said: “The concept of ‘reflect and reveal’ has been key to this, with views of the viaduct revealed and filtered by the mature oak trees in the wider historic landscape. The viaduct is further integrated through its reflection in local water features and in the polished acoustic parapets which will reflect the skyline, lightening the structure further.”
A mix of grass species including blue flax (historically used for linen weaving in the area), cornflower and forgetme-nots will be planted and bird boxes located on trees.
Bayleys Brook will be realigned to increase habitats for fish and other aquatic creatures. A reduction in the size of the embankment parallel to the watercourse aims to improve resilience to flooding.
To improve connections to the area, the Kenilworth Greenway will be extended to Station Road and other potential greenway and cycling and bridleway improvements are being considered.