Footbridge design for walkways

HS2 has selected 11 sites for new lightweight footbridges that will carry footpaths and bridleways over the new railway - and the first one should be in place by October 2023.

A type of steel that develops a weathered, rusty colour was selected to best match the surrounding countryside.

The structures will be angled to appear narrower and lighter, and each span will be slightly higher in the middle so that they appear to ‘leap’ over the railway. Most will have a single 45-yard span, but two can be used if required.

To make construction easier and cheaper, all the bridges will be of similar design, with the approach paths built into the earthworks on either side (also enabling them to be step-free. They will be almost 3ft wide and have non-slip rubber decks.

The locations identified are around Aylesbury, the Chilterns, Chipping Warden, Westbury and Finmere.

A total of 80 bridges of some description are needed, and some of the paths will share farm access and road bridges or cross the line under viaducts or over the top of tunnels.