The 5,940sq/m structure, near Brackley, will carry a country lane and footpath across the new high-speed railway with space on either side to provide a safe corridor for small animals, insects and birds.

The beams weigh up to 105 tonnes and are being lifted in pairs. They will support a concrete deck formed of pre-cast slabs which will support 2,700 cubic metres of earth to complete the landscaping.

The bridge will be planted with hedgerows and vegetation to provide cover for wildlife crossing one of the longest and deepest cuttings on the new high-speed railway.

With the foundations now complete, engineers have begun the task of lifting 36 steel beams that will support the near 100m-wide structure.

Once the main structure is complete, excavation will continue beneath the bridge to complete the cutting where the track will be laid.

This cutting will stretch for 1.5 miles between the Westbury and Turweston viaducts on the outskirts of Brackley, helping to reduce noise and disruption for local residents.

Turweston wildlife bridge is one of 16 being constructed over the HS2 route

Cameron Thompson, HS2’s Head of Delivery, said: “It’s great to see the first beams lifted into position at Turweston. Once complete, this impressive structure will help keep communities connected, while protecting wildlife and biodiversity on either side of the railway.

“Green bridges are relatively rare in the UK so it’s fascinating to see this project come together and I look forward to seeing it progress over the coming years.”