A new road bridge to be built over the HS2 rail line in Birmingham has been approved by city planners.
HS2 has received approval from Birmingham City Council for the Aston Church Road Overbridge which will span the high-speed rail line connecting Saltley, Washwood Heath and Nechells, two miles north east of the centre.
Initial designs for the bridge were shared with the public in 2021, with local feedback inspiring changes to provide a wider walkway, creating enough space for cyclists, and improved lighting.
This lighting design will also protect wildlife, particularly bats that may forage underneath the bridge, by decreasing overall light pollution, according to HS2.
In addition, HS2 said that public feedback resulted in the stainless steel finish being replaced with weathered steel panels, incorporating a perforated pattern to maximise light and views.
Green spaces have also been introduced by creating new woodland planting in the area around the bridge.
The original bridge will be demolished to create extra space for the HS2 line to pass through and, once built, the new bridge will connect to the existing road network.
The bridge and associated highway works are due to be finished in summer 2025.
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The news comes as councillors in Solihull prepare to debate again on Thursday a new viaduct for the high-speed rail line
At that time, members of the local community labelled the proposed 1,395-foot viaduct in Balsall Common as "hideous".
HS2's senior project manager David King said: "We welcome the approval of our designs for Aston Church Road Overbridge by Birmingham City Council.
"We've worked closely with the council and local community to make sure this bridge blends with the local surroundings and enhances and connects green spaces in this urban part of Birmingham.
"The bridge is a key part of the wider improvements HS2 is bringing to this area of Birmingham, providing better pedestrian and cycle connectivity for the local community which will help support longer-term sustainable economic growth for the area."
Phase one of HS2 will connect central London with Birmingham city centre via a new station close to Birmingham Airport while later phases will run from Birmingham to Crewe, Manchester and the East Midlands.