National Highways has installed a new footbridge across the M3 after three months of delays.
The new bridge replaces a previous structure that was demolished in 2023 after engineers found issues with its ability to withstand crash impact from over height vehicles.
The replacement structure, weighing nearly 100 tonnes and measuring 63m long and 4m wide, was lifted into place and secured between 11 and 14 July.
To do this safely, National Highways closed the motorway for the whole weekend.
The work was originally due to be completed in April but issues with the concrete hardening meant that National Highways had to delay the installation.
The government-owned company has said that the concrete ‘has since passed subsequent tests and therefore is now safe to install’.
Despite now being installed, the bridge still cannot open for public use, as contractors still need to fit mesh and anti-climb measures, meaning that the bridge will not formally open until later in the summer.
National Highways project manager Nick Axford said: ‘We know how important this footbridge is to the community, and how disappointed people were when we had to postpone its installation, so we’re delighted to be taking a huge step towards opening it once again.
‘Putting the bridge together has required sourcing several bespoke parts, which often take months to manufacture.
‘For the installation to be carried out safely, we need to close this section of the motorway across the weekend.
‘We acknowledge there may be some disruption as a result, but we are grateful to drivers for their patience and urge them to plan their journeys in advance.’
