HS2 has completed the last section of earthworks that will carry East West Rail (EWR) services between Oxford and Cambridge over the new high-speed line, near the village of Calvert in Buckinghamshire.

To reduce disruption for the community and speed up construction, HS2 contractors have built two bridges, one underpass and 3.4km of adjacent earthworks for EWR where the two projects cross.

The main bridge deck of the intersection bridge - which weighs the same as 25 double decker buses - will carry local and regional trains over the top of one of the longest cuttings on the HS2 project. Two smaller bridges and one underpass will take local roads and a footpath across EWR.

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Joint working was particularly important during the realignment of Gawcott Road, when problems emerged with a gas main diversion. HS2 worked closely with EWR throughout, so that the installation of communications cables – required to allow EWR to enter service on time - could continue around the delayed utility work.

With the large bridges and earthworks handed over, HS2 contractors can now focus on completing the Calvert cutting – which runs roughly north-south and will stretch for more than 2 miles.

Once complete, HS2 will link London with Birmingham and the West Midlands, freeing up space on the most congested part of the West Coast Mainline and boosting growth around the four major station sites.

Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: "The completion of this work marks a significant milestone for two of the country’s most important rail infrastructure projects and it's great to see such strong progress being made as we press ahead with delivering both HS2 and East West Rail.

"These new railway lines will transform journeys for millions and the success of the work at this crucial site is another example of this Government delivering on its commitment to invest in infrastructure across the country to improve connectivity and grow the economy."