The M6 has reopened to traffic following its two-day closure over the weekend.
The road closed on 8pm on Friday to allow for the demolition of Clifton bridge.
Timelapse footage has now been released marking this major milestone in the project as the motorway reopened at 3.50am – 70 minutes earlier than scheduled.
For the next week thousands of motorists will travel underneath a large gap in the West Coast Main Line where the railway bridge once crossed.
A modern 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure is moved into place during a further 57-hour motorway closure this weekend – from 8pm on Friday January 9 until 5am on Monday January 12.
Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: “The demolition of Clifton bridge has been a mammoth task and I’d like to thank drivers who’ve had to use the road diversions, rail users whose journeys have changed and people local to the construction site who’ve been extremely patient with all the noise and disruption.
“This £60m project forms part of our major investment programme to improve journeys on the West Coast Main Line for passengers and freight for generations to come.”
Rosario Barcena, Skanska UK rail programme director, said: “It’s been an incredible effort by the entire team to complete the demolition of the former Clifton Bridge, working 24/7 across the weekend to make sure that the M6 motorway could reopen on Monday morning.
“Technically it was a complex operation which we managed with great precision and care. The work was completed safely, with the support structures that the new 4,200 tonne bridge will sit on successfully retained.
“It’s been a super-collaborative approach with Network Rail, National Highways and our supply chain team. I’d also like to extend my thanks to people travelling in the region and the local community for their understanding while we undertake this essential work.”
Full train services will resume on January 15 – people are advised to check National Rail for details of journeys until then.
