Key bridge opens on major road after two-year wait aimed at ‘dramatically’ improving car journeys

The overbridge, which took two years to complete, stretches for 80 metres across the HS2 rail service between London and the West Midlands.

It is one of 500 bridging structures on the HS2 project which are currently in the pipeline to be built around the UK.

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These bridges range from small footbridges and drainage culverts to “green bridges” used by wildlife.

As part of the opening, new roundabouts on either side of the bridge have also been developed to allow traffic from Blackgrove Road and Waddesdon Hill to join the A41 more easily.

The bridge was built using a "top-down" method and features 21 U-shaped precast concrete beams.

While the vast majority of the work was delivered without disruption to traffic, there were some weekend closures needed for utility works.

However, two more weekend closures will be needed in the future to complete the final kerbs, road surfacing and some of the road lining.

Vlad Kolev, HS2 project manager, said: “Once complete, HS2 will dramatically improve journeys between our two largest cities while freeing up space on the existing rail network for more freight and local services.

“But it’s also important that we keep communities connected while we deliver this transformative project.

“That’s why smaller structures like the A41 overbridge are so important and I’d like to thank everyone in our team and across the supply chain who worked so hard to get it built and open to the public. It hasn’t been an easy job and I’d like to also thank the local community for their patience during the road closures.”

The construction of the bridge and road realignment was delivered by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB.

The last parts of the road surface over the bridge were laid completed over weekend with traffic using the new alignment from 5.30am on Monday morning.

NC2A project director, Ignacio Chicharro added: “The opening of this bridge and road realignment marks a great moment for both the project and for the local area. It is the culmination of years of dedicated effort, careful planning, and determination from the entire team.

“This milestone also highlights the best of our EKFB One Team spirit, made possible through the close collaboration with our supply chain and subcontractors. A special thanks to the team from Clancy, whose contributions have been invaluable.”

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During the two-year project, HS2 constructed a new bridge, two roundabouts and 2.6km of road realignment.

But not all drivers are pleased with the new improvements to the area. One person claimed: “The HS2 trucks have caused huge road surface damage, roads are closed at weekends, evening and sometimes for weeks at a time with HUGE diversions often over 30/40 miles.

“The Wendover bypass has lost land and due to the poor re-sitting of the road to High Wycombe half the junction before the roundabout is coned off as it is dangerous.

“So forgive me for not gushing with praise for HS2 as I've not seen any road improvements. The above ‘new roundabout’ makes zero difference most of the ‘new’ work on the A41 is to build roundabouts with access to HS2 depots. Hardly improving the road.”