Striking aerial photographs illustrate how work is advancing on a newly constructed bridge spanning the M67.
Eight sturdy steel beams were installed over the weekend as part of the significant £23m project in Denton, with National Highways capturing the moments as each beam was expertly hoisted by crane into its designated place.
The beams, each weighing as much as 65 tonnes for each duo, were fitted during the latest round of work to replace the aging St Anne's Road Bridge in Denton, which traverses the M67.
Motorists have faced persistent upheaval amid their travels along the motorway that links Manchester and Sheffield. For those heading eastward toward A57 Snake Pass or A628, detours have been a common occurrence over numerous weekends in recent months.
The freshly positioned beams will underpin the forthcoming bridge deck, where vehicle traffic will traverse. Progress will continue with the construction of the bridge deck itself entering the next phase.
Mangat Bansal, programme delivery manager at National Highways, confirmed: "The work went very well and according to plan with each pair of beams lifted successfully and safely into place."
He expressed gratitude for the public's cooperation, stating: "We had to close the motorway to enable this latest phase in our project and thank everyone for their understanding and patience as we continue with our work to rebuild the bridge."
Due to serious structural deterioration and outdated construction techniques, the previous bridge was dismantled last year. National Highways concluded that a complete reconstruction of the bridge was the most prudent strategy for ensuring safety.
While acknowledging the potential for short-term disruption to residents, the government body maintained that the long-term benefits to the area would 'ensure the safety of road users for decades to come'.
