Watch: Amazing footage of M6 bridge on the move
Timelapse footage showing how an 800-ton, 250ft long bridge spanning the M6 was removed in just a few hours has been released by Highways England.
The Creswell Home Farm Bridge, north of Stafford, was dismantled and the entire 150-tonne centre section lifted clear and taken away in one piece on a 90ft long specialist transporter to a nearby compound over the weekend.
The operation closed the motorway in both directions for 11 hours overnight on Saturday into Sunday, when it reopened 13 hours ahead of schedule at 7am.
The bridge was no longer in use and was too narrow for the upgraded smart motorway being constructed, which will have an extra lane in each direction.
Highways England smart motorways project sponsor Peter Smith said: “This was a big and complex job that took a lot of planning.
“I’m delighted to say that all paid off and I’d like to thank everyone whose journeys were affected for their patience.”
The work forms part of plans to improve journeys in the area by adding extra capacity and technology to the motorway.
Two bridge 'piers' which remain either side of the road over the hard shoulder lanes will be taken away later.
In total, the bridge contains enough concrete to fill 40 tipper trucks. The old bridge will be recycled and used in the construction of the upgraded motorway.
