Thousands of tonnes of steel beams have been installed over the M1 as part of a £162 million road project in Bedfordshire.

Highways England has released a timelapse video showing 38 beams weighing 100 tonnes each being lifted into place over the M1 near Dunstable during March and April.

The work to create a new junction 11A interchange bridge and new B579 Luton Road bridge is part of the A5-M1 Link scheme.

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Features of the project includes building a new dual carriageway linking the A5 to the M1, three new junctions including a new motorway junction, and six new bridges.

Overall, 40 hectares of land will be delivered for businesses, providing infrastructure for 7,000 homes, allowing better access to the M1 and reducing congestion in Dunstable.

Highways England project manager Karen Green said: "The A5-M1 Link scheme is progressing well and to plan.

"Lifting the beams for these two bridges was an important milestone for the A5-M1 Link Road project, which will offer motorists better and safer journeys and help reduce congestion through Dunstable as well as unlock land for new homes and businesses.

"The two new bridges will be opened to traffic closer to the scheme completion in spring 2017."

(LM)