Work to redirect river for HS2 completed

Work to redirect a river in Warwickshire to allow for the continued construction of HS2 has been completed.

The company behind the high-speed rail project has "realigned" 749m (2,457ft) of the River Cole near Coleshill.

HS2 Ltd said the river needed to be permanently moved to enable support of the construction of two new viaducts and a series of railway embankments, at the Birmingham Delta part of the line.

Bosses said the work will also improve the existing river environment, by creating more meander bends and enhancing habitats in the river as well as along its banks to maximise biodiversity.

Since excavation works were completed in 2024, experts have been monitoring how the new watercourse is establishing itself in flow, river shape and habitat characteristics.

New public spaces including grassed embankments, footpaths, observation areas and Japanese-style stepping stones over water features, have been created in the space surrounding the river.

Simon Casey, HS2 Ltd's head of environment for Main Works Civils, said it was "incredibly exciting" to see the work.

"The project is part of our wider Green Corridor programme and will create a valuable learning legacy for the civil engineering profession, providing a replicable model for future projects," he said.

The two River Cole viaducts, which will span the waterway, are due to be completed later this year.

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