---
title: Major tunnel milestone on the UK’s HS2 network
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/major-tunnel-milestone-on-the-uks-hs2-network/"
type: post
date_published: 2026-08-05
date_modified: 2026-08-05
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  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 355
reading_time: 2 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/major-tunnel-milestone-on-the-uks-hs2-network/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/header.jpg"
categories:
  - Non classé
---

# Major tunnel milestone on the UK’s HS2 network

![Major tunnel milestone on the UK’s HS2 network](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/header.jpg)

HS2 engineers have installed the final roof segment on the Burton Green tunnel,
near the town of Kenilworth, completing the main structure of one of the five
‘green tunnels’ being built along the route.

The 16-metre-wide, twin-box tunnel will carry high-speed trains beneath the
village of Burton Green. An internal wall separates trains travelling in each
direction.

With the structure now complete, engineers and ecologists will turn their
attention to the tunnel’s 500-metre-long green roof. Trees, plants and shrubs
will be planted above the structure to help it blend into the surrounding
landscape and create green space for local communities.

## A railway within the landscape

Connectivity and access have been central to the project. Once the works are
complete, the Kenilworth Greenway will be reinstated close to its original
alignment above the tunnel. It will provide a route between Balsall Common and
Kenilworth, via Burton Green, for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

![burton-green-tunnel-under-construction](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/burton-green-tunnel-under-construction-660x660.jpg)

The design also had to address the constraints of constructing the tunnel within
a narrow corridor through the village.

The completed scheme will restore the original character of the Kenilworth
Greenway and reconnect it with the wider ecological landscape above the buried
tunnel.

Material excavated during construction is being reused for the wider landscaping
works. The planting of native trees and shrubs will create habitats for wildlife
and restore vegetated connections with the nearby Black Waste Wood and Little
Poors Wood.

## A cut-and-cover green tunnel

Burton Green is being built using the cut-and-cover method. These structures are
shallower than conventional deep, twin-bore tunnels and are covered with
vegetation to reduce their visual impact and integrate the railway into its
surroundings.

Work is continuing on the tunnel’s final elements, including an escape walkway
and fire protection for the upper walls. Throughout construction, the programme
has been carefully planned to maintain vehicle and pedestrian access through
Burton Green.

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**Categories:** Non classé