A stretch of the motorway was shut for a weekend at the end of March while the work was carried out.<\/p>\n
Starting from the edges of the bridge, the crew worked inwards before allowing it to collapse onto the M4 below over a near-60 hour period.<\/p>\n
National Highways has now shared a video showing the process of how the bridge was reduced to its component parts<\/a>. With dramatic music over the top, excavators can be seen tearing through concrete and steel cables while large wheel loaders remove material from the site.<\/p>\n Terry Robinson, engineering team manager for National Highways, explained: “We found some serious problems with the post-tensioning system, which led us to demolish it and replace the bridge.<\/p>\n “Post-tension bridges are steel cables that are placed through the structures and over the years because of construction defects those cables have actually corroded.<\/p>\n “We’ve got 60 hours, the road closed and then back open again for Monday morning traffic.”<\/p>\n He said the demolition project was an “absolutely massive team effort”, hailing the work of contractors, subcontractors and workers from National Highways.<\/p>\n The old bridge, constructed in 1966, was designed \u201cat a time when future maintenance was less of a consideration” according to National Highways.<\/p>\n Work build a new bridge is due to begin soon but it could take up to a year to be completed. The new structure will be built in the same place and will have three lanes, two of which will run southbound towards Wick Wick Roundabout.<\/p>\n National Highways and South Gloucestershire<\/a> Council hope to have the bridge open to the public in March 2026.<\/p>\n Join Bristol Live\u2019s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone<\/strong><\/p>\n Bristol Live<\/a> is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.<\/p>\n Through the app, we\u2019ll send the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.<\/p>\n To join our community you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select \u2018Join Community\u2019.<\/a><\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Bristol Live<\/a> team.<\/p>\n We also treat community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out at any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community, click on the name at the top of your screen and choose \u2018Exit group\u2019.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_AD_BL_21-03-2025_badmintonroadJPG.jpg\")
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