Watch the timelapse footage here.
The project for Network Rail near Penrith in Cumbria involves the demolition of the 60-year old Clifton Bridge and installation of a new one across the first two weekends of 2026.
The first major milestone, to remove the previous structure which spans six lanes of the M6 motorway, has been successfully completed. The highway was re-opened to traffic more than an hour early on the morning of Monday 5 January.
A huge fleet of excavators were used to chip away at the 1960s-built concrete structure, which forms a key part of the West Coast Main Line.
Timelapse footage has now been released marking this major milestone. Watch it here.
For the next week thousands of motorists will travel underneath the large gap in the West Coast Main Line where the bridge once crossed.
That’s before a modern 4,200-tonne steel and concrete structure is moved into place during a further 57-hour motorway closure this coming weekend (8.00pm Friday 9 until 5.00am Monday 12 January).
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, added: "It's been an incredible effort by the entire team to complete the demolition of the Clifton Bridge, working 24/7 across the weekend to make sure that the M6 motorway could re-open on Monday morning.
"Technically it was a complex operation which we managed with great precision and care. The works were 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 these essential works."