Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV) has redesigned plans for a stretch of the High Speed 2 (HS2) line in Warwickshire.

The new plan does away with concrete retaining walls along the track and is replacing it with an open cutting with grass slopes.

This change in the plan will result in a large time and cost reduction in construction. The redesign means that there is no need to excavate 150,000 cubic meters of soil and requires 60,000 cubic meters of concrete and steel.

BBV is building 90km of HS2 track between Long Itchington in Warwickshire and Handsacre in Staffordshire. BBV received criticism from locals as their design means the train line will pass straight through South Cubbington Wood. In response BBV have promised to plant 12 hectares of new woodland near South Cubbington Wood as well as an additional 18 hectares of trees across the Cubbington area.

BBV biodiversity lead Julia Baker said: “Wherever we operate, we work tirelessly to reduce the impact of our work on both the local community and the environment. This updated design is testament to this commitment. We have created a solution which reduces our carbon footprint and provides habitats for wildlife and green connections for people in the local area.”

The plans also include two green over-bridges to connect to the already existing footpath, these bridges will have grassland and hedgerows planted to allow them to act as a safe wildlife crossing.

HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said, “This project embodies that vision, reducing carbon equivalent to taking 8,500 HGVs off local roads; moulding our designs to ensure wildlife thrives alongside the new tracks; and ensuring residents can continue to enjoy the rich-nature forestry surrounding their village.”