WATCH: 69-tonne footbridge at motorway service station near Bristol taken down
Around 70 people took part in the operation
by Alex RossDramatic video footage has been released showing a footbridge at a motorway service station near Bristol being taken down.
The operation at Michaelwood Services near Wotton-under-Edge, between Junction 13 and Junction 14 of the M5, took place overnight last weekend (January 25/26)
It saw workers dismantling and removing the well-used and well-worn structure before it is taken away on the back of lorries.
Around 70 people were involved.
They used a 750-tonne crane along with two 130ft high cranes to move the 69-tonne structure, which will now be recycled.
Project manager Adrian Simon said: “It was a massive operation for our principal contractor Carnell, we understood the closure would have an effect on journey times and we appreciate people’s co-operation and patience during the work.
“We carried out additional work between junctions 13 and 14 to minimise disruption, the removal operation was carried out safely and discussions are ongoing regarding building a replacement footbridge.
“As is the case with a lot of our replacement and renewal schemes, another positive will see the materials recycled and put to good use elsewhere.”
Mr Simon added: “Due to the complex nature of the operation, we did reopen the M5 a little later than scheduled, and again, we’d like to thank drivers using the diversion routes for their patience.”