A 57-TONNE footbridge has been installed over the M5 near Almondsbury as part of the ongoing managed motorway scheme. The new Pegwell Brake bridge was completed last week and replaces the old concrete platform which was dismantled last year.

Located between junctions 16 (Almondsbury) and 17 (Cribbs Causeway), it is planned to open towards the end of the month.

The M5 had to be closed in both directions between 10pm and 6am on Monday, January 7 and Tuesday 8 to allow workers to erect the steel footbridge.

Highways Agency senior project manager Paul Unwin said: "We would like to thank all road users for their patience in following the diversion routes and making alternative travel arrangements while the work was carried out to install the new bridge.

"The installation of the new bridge is an essential part of the managed motorway scheme, and the closures meant that our workers were able to concentrate on doing a fantastic job in installing the structure as quickly and as safely as possible."

The £88million M5/M4 managed motorway scheme is expected to reduce congestion and improve safety through the use of variable mandatory speed limits and by opening the hard shoulder as an extra running lane. For more information about the project including roadworks updates visit www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/M4-Junction-19-20-and-M5-Junction-15-17-Managed-Motorways