Fosse Way closure as HS2 engineers move to install key Warwickshire cycle bridge

Engineers working on the High Speed 2 railway have reached a key milestone in Warwickshire, with the installation of a new dedicated cycle bridge now underway near Offchurch. The structure will provide a direct link between the Offchurch Greenway and Route 41 of the National Cycle Network, forming part of a wider push to improve active travel routes alongside the high-speed line.

The project builds on earlier infrastructure completed in October 2025, when two nearby crossings – the Fosse Way bridge and the Offchurch Greenway bridge – were opened simultaneously. These structures carry both a local road and a cycle route over the HS2 line and were designed to maintain community connections disrupted by the railway’s construction.

All three bridges have been delivered by HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI, which has overseen the programme from initial groundwork through to installation. Together, the trio of crossings is intended to improve accessibility and safety for residents navigating the area.

Construction of the latest cycle bridge began in July 2025. Since then, teams have removed and rebuilt the existing embankment, installed structural abutments and wingwalls, and completed drainage alongside backfill works to prepare the site for the final installation phase.

To allow the bridge to be positioned, a section of the B4455 Fosse Way near Offchurch has been closed, with the restriction expected to remain in place until Sunday 26 April 2026. During this period, the structure will be lifted into place and secured onto its supports.

Once operational, the bridge is expected to separate pedestrians and cyclists from road traffic, improving safety while also strengthening a long-distance route maintained by the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. The crossing forms part of a scenic stretch of Route 41, which runs through the Warwickshire countryside.

The bridge itself features a steel deck supported by two abutments, with external panels finished in colours inspired by historic railway designs. These aesthetic choices were made following consultation with local stakeholders. Fabrication was carried out by Britons Steel Fabricators, before painting and surfacing works were completed by Jack Tighe Coatings Ltd.

Vicki Lee, HS2 Ltd’s Senior Project Manager said:

“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.”

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.”

Image: HS2