Structural work on Burton Green Tunnel near Kenilworth is now complete. Credit: HS2

‘Huge moment’ for HS2 as Burton Green tunnel nears completion

20 July 2026 10:08 Mike Sheridan Comments (0)

Engineers on the high-speed rail link connecting the West Midlands with London have signed off on a ‘major stepping stone’, as a five year tunnel-building project reached structural completion in Warwickshire.

The final roof panel for the Burton Green tunnel was lifted into place this month, marking the final phase of structural work on the project near Coventry.

A 500m-long green roof will now be built on top of the tunnel, which will once again link two sides of the village of Burton Green, which was cleaved apart by the commencement of HS2 works in 2020.

Burton Green is one of five so-called green tunnels being built on the route of the railway using a “cut and cover” design, meaning they are sunk into the ground to reduce noise and visual impact of the railway, but at a shallower depth than larger twin-bore tunnels on the route.

The four other green tunnels are Copthall in outer London, Wendover in Buckinghamshire and Chipping Warden, and the longest green tunnel on the route at Greatworth, both in Northamptonshire.

Doug Barnett, Senior Project Manager for HS2 Ltd, said: “With the main civil engineering complete, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the 150-strong team on the ground, we can now begin the next phase of this exciting project.

“We look forward to working with local communities to bring the bold design vision for Burton Green tunnel to life, maximising the potential of this new green space.”

As part of the landscaping works at Burton Green, Kenilworth Greenway – a four mile-long cycling and walking route between Balsall Common and Kenilworth that was diverted for the work – will be reinstated close to its original route, along with Cromwell Lane, the road linking both sides of the village.

The final elements of the tunnel, including the escape walkway to the south of the tunnel, and other fireproofing works to the upper tunnel walls, are being completed by Balfour Beatty VINCI before the site is handed over to the rail systems contractor to install the line.

Rupert Blake, Project Manager for Balfour Beatty VINCI, added: “The structural completion of Burton Green tunnel is a huge moment for BBV and our supply chain partners, who’ve worked tirelessly over the last five years to get us here.

“A range of construction techniques have been used to deliver this complex engineering project, showcasing the team’s skill, expertise and resilience.”