A key road linking Aylesbury and Bicester has reopened after a temporary closure to reroute it across a new bridge.

The A41 overbridge was built north of the existing road over two years, and stretches for 80 metres across a cutting that will carry HS2 rail services between London and the West Midlands.

It is one of 500 bridging structures on the HS2 project, which range from small footbridges and drainage culverts to innovative ‘green bridges’ for wildlife and viaducts.

 

HS2 completes A41 bridge near AylesburyHS2 completes A41 bridge near Aylesbury (Image: HS2 Ltd.)

New roundabouts on either side of the bridge have been added to improve safety, allowing for traffic from Blackgrove Road and Waddesdon Hill to join the A41 more easily.

The footpath alongside the existing road south of Waddesdon has also been extended.

The bridge was built using a 'top-down' method, and 21 U-shaped precast concrete beams were used to form the three spans of bridge.

The total length of the road realignment is 2.6km, including seven sets of utility diversions.

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

HS2 Ltd’s project manager, Vlad Kolev 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 temporary roundabout at the entrance to HS2’s A41 site compound will be removed at a later stage once HS2 construction is complete.

HS2 completes A41 bridge near AylesburyHS2 completes A41 bridge near Aylesbury (Image: HS2 Ltd.)

NC2A project director, Ignacio Chicharro said: "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."

The construction of the bridge and road realignment was delivered by HS2’s main works contractor, EKFB - a group made up of Eiffage, Kier, Ferrovial Construction and Bam Nuttall.