Skanska has completed demolition work on an old bridge spanning the M42 in Solihull.

The firm is delivering the work on behalf of National Highways.

The complex operation was completed after months of planning, together with supply chain partners.

The demolition of the old bridge means work can now start on the construction of slip roads for the new junction 5a on the M42.

Dan Trathen, Skanska’s Project Director for the M42 Junction 6 scheme said: "This is a significant milestone for the project. The new Solihull Road bridge was lifted into position last autumn and is expected to open by the end of July 2023. Before this can happen the old bridge had to be demolished. Thanks to the team this is now complete, and we are able to build the slip roads for the new junction."


National Highways programme lead, Jon Slemmonds, said: "This new time-lapse footage shows the methodical and complex work of removing the old Solihull Road bridge as part of our upgrade at junction 6.

"Given the scale of the task involved, the bridge was removed using specialist equipment.

"We're making good progress on the upgrade and once the work is complete, it will alleviate congestion at a well-known bottleneck on the M42."

The scheme is part of a congestion-busting upgrade to alleviate queues for drivers.