Completion is expected by late 2026. Credit: Balfour Beatty.

The construction of High Speed Two’s (HS2) Burton Green Tunnel, a 700m-long structure in Warwickshire, UK, has reached the halfway point.

This development is a significant milestone for the project, which aims to provide a green corridor for HS2 trains through Burton Green village near Kenilworth.

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Scheduled for full completion by late 2026, the tunnel is part of a series of green tunnels designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape.

Balfour Beatty Vinci, a joint venture (JV), is leading the construction, utilising a top-down method recommended by Mott MacDonald engineers from the Mott MacDonald SYSTRA design JV.

This approach involves building the tunnel from the ground up, starting with the side walls and roof before excavating the interior and constructing the base.

Over the past year, the project has seen substantial progress, including the completion of the southern portal and various structural elements.

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The on-site team, consisting of 150 professionals, will now move onto the next phase of construction, including additional excavation, with the removed soil being repurposed for landscaping, and the installation of roof slabs, base slabs, and internal structures.

A notable aspect for the local community is the realignment of the Kenilworth Greenway, which will be restored atop the new tunnel, maintaining its role as a scenic route for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

HS2 has established a temporary detour for the Greenway during construction, ensuring continued access between Balsall Common and Kenilworth.

Meanwhile, HS2’s construction in the West Midlands continues to advance, with the initiation of support column installation for Birmingham Curzon Street Station and foundation work for a bridge near Lichfield.

Balfour Beatty VINCI project manager Rupert Blake said: “As an engineer, it’s hugely rewarding to lead the delivery of the 700m-long Burton Green Tunnel in Warwickshire.

“This is a fascinating structure both in terms of scale and complexity, but its green characteristics are what really sets this tunnel apart. When it’s complete, the roof will be finished with trees, plants and shrubs, so it blends in seamlessly with the existing landscape.”

Earlier in the month, Balfour Beatty VINCI reached the halfway construction point at the Chattle Hill structure in North Warwickshire’s Delta Junction, having used over one million cubic metres of concrete.