HS2 River Cole Realignment: Rail Infrastructure & Sustainability

Introduction

The realignment of the River Cole near Coleshill in Warwickshire has been completed to enhance the river environment and create new recreational spaces as part of the HS2 project. The project, which involved collaboration between HS2, Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture, and Balfour Beatty VINCI, included the creation of new meander bends, improved habitats, and public spaces.

Project Overview

The re-naturalisation of the River Cole near Coleshill in Warwickshire aims to improve the existing river environment by creating more meander bends and enhancing habitats in the river and along its banks to maximize biodiversity. To facilitate the construction of the Birmingham Spur of the Delta Junction, a section of the river needed permanent realignment to support building two new viaducts and a series of railway embankments. Excavation works were completed in 2024, and temporary dams were removed to allow water to flow into the new river section.

Design and Construction

The realignment project was designed by HS2’s Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture and delivered by ecologists and engineers working for HS2’s construction partner Balfour Beatty VINCI. The design integrates recreational spaces and pathways alongside the river, drawing inspiration from the area’s historical use as a boating lake by the Edwardians. The design incorporates natural features to facilitate biodiversity, with riverbank planting, ponds, wet grasslands, and pasture areas to support the rich abundance of species already present at the site. The natural river gravels within the floodplain have been retained and reused to form the riverbed. Extensive hydraulic modeling was undertaken to ensure the watercourse realignment would not pose an adverse flood risk to immediate or downstream areas. The construction of the river realignment is complete, and Balfour Beatty VINCI will focus on completing the surrounding embankments and viaducts.

Environmental and Community Benefits

The design incorporates natural features that facilitate biodiversity. Riverbank planting, ponds, wet grasslands and pasture areas will support the rich abundance of species already present at the site, as well as encouraging a wider variety of species to thrive. When the area is reopened to the public, communities will be able to enjoy new public spaces such as grassed embankments, footpaths, observation areas and Japanese style stepping stones over water features. The community has been particularly involved in ideas for high-quality pathways for better connectivity, with the design aiming to revive the area’s recreational aspect through the development of public green spaces and paths alongside the river.

Stakeholder Collaboration

The design team consulted with external stakeholders, including the Environment Agency. During the design’s development, HS2 Ltd, Balfour Beatty VINCI, and Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture worked closely with the Environment Agency, the local community, the Independent Design Panel, Warwickshire County Council, and North Warwickshire Borough Council.

Conclusion

The River Cole realignment project, a component of the HS2 project, has been completed, featuring a new river course, improved habitats, and public spaces. The project, designed by Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture and constructed by Balfour Beatty VINCI, involved extensive collaboration with stakeholders, including the Environment Agency and local community groups.

Company Summary

HS2 Ltd: HS2 Ltd is responsible for the development and delivery of the High Speed 2 railway project.

Mott MacDonald SYSTRA Design Joint Venture: A design joint venture involved in the River Cole realignment project.

Balfour Beatty VINCI: The construction partner for HS2, responsible for delivering the River Cole realignment project.