A 130-metre replacement for Clifton Bridge has been installed on the West Coast Main Line, with the M6 motorway re-opened 13 hours ahead of schedule following the complex operation.

Clifton Bridge is a crucial section of the rail artery linking London and Scotland. The previous 60-year-old span, which crossed six lanes of the M6, was demolished in a carefully planned operation during the first weekend of January.

Across the second weekend of January, a team of almost 100 people manoeuvred the new structure into place. Using Self Propelled Modular Transporters (SPMTs), crews shifted the bridge from its on-site assembly area onto its permanent supports. Timelapse footage captures the move.

Christian Irwin OBE, Network Rail North West and Central region Capital Delivery director, said: "It's a testament to the hard work of hundreds of people that we've been able to install this huge new structure both successfully and speedily. We've been in close contact with National Highways throughout so we could capitalise on that and get the M6 reopen over half a day ahead of schedule to alleviate pressure on local roads."

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Teams have been working in shifts around the clock for the past two weeks to reach the key milestones. "Hats off to the entire team for these truly outstanding achievements across both weekends," said Skanska's Project Director, Joe Bennett.

"When the pressure was on, we worked together with our customer Network Rail, National Highways and partners to deliver two really complex and challenging milestones.

"With the bridge works complete, our focus now turns to providing support to Network Rail and CRSA who will install new track and reconnect overhead power lines and signalling systems, ready for the railway to re-open on the morning of Thursday 15 January."

A film with Joe and colleagues reflects on the weekend's activities.

Further activity will continue over the coming months, including reinstatement and ancillary civils work, before the site is returned to fields.

The project has drawn on expertise from across Skanska UK, including Cementation Skanska for piling, ground engineering and minor civils, Skanska Technology, the Design & Engineering team and specialist enabling functions.