Blogs Highways Highlight

The works ensure the route can continue to provide a safe and attractive walking, wheeling and cycling connection while accommodating the construction of the new HS2 railway. The remainder of the route, including access points, remain unchanged.

The Waddesdon Greenway first opened in September 2018 and stretches from Aylesbury Vale Parkway Station through to Waddesdon Manor - with an additional section added in 2023 to improve connections to local schools and Waddesdon village. Since opening, the Greenway has become a hugely successful route for residents and visitors alike, recording more than 160,000 trips in 2020 alone.

Waddesdon Greenway (walking and cycling route) | Buckinghamshire Council

Knowing that a permanent realignment solution would someday be required, the Waddesdon Greenway opened nearly eight years ago with a section of the route crossing what would become the future HS2 railway line.

Over the years HS2 works have progressed and this summer, the realignment of Waddesdon Greenway was addressed and actioned to maintain connectivity for Greenway users. The new route now crosses the railway via a purpose-built steel bridge, allowing walkers, wheelers and cyclists to continue enjoying the route while safely passing over the HS2 line.

Whether it's a daily commute, a family bike ride or a leisurely walk to Waddesdon Manor, the route has provided a valuable traffic-free connection across the local area.

Recognising how well-used the Greenway is, Buckinghamshire Council's HS2 Engagement and Rights of Way teams worked closely with HS2 and their contractors throughout the planning and delivery of the scheme. A key priority was to minimise disruption for residents and visitors who regularly use the route or live locally.

The teams coordinated communications around the closure, ensured notices were displayed on-site and engaged with stakeholders ahead of the works. Importantly, the closure was scheduled during the 2026 summer school holidays to help reduce the impact on commuters, school journeys and leisure users.

The works took place over a 26-day period and included a full 24-hour closure of the affected section of the Greenway and some overnight working. The project was delivered as planned, enabling the new bridge crossing and realigned route to be completed successfully.

The result is a future-ready section of Greenway that continues to provide a high-quality active travel link between communities, visitor destinations and transport connections across the area.

The Waddesdon Greenway can be accessed as normal with no other changes to the route, aside from the introduction of the new bridge.

The Waddesdon Greenway remains one of Buckinghamshire's flagship walking and cycling routes, helping people travel actively while enjoying the county's countryside and visitor attractions. The completion of the new bridge at Fleet Marston ensures the route can continue serving residents and visitors for years to come, while supporting the wider infrastructure changes taking place across Buckinghamshire.

Take a look at more active travel routes in Buckinghamshire.

This project demonstrates the value of partnership working, with Buckinghamshire Council and HS2 collaborating to ensure the Greenway remains open and accessible for years to come, while accommodating the construction of the new HS2 railway.

After all, sometimes the best way forward is to build a bridge!