Behind-the-scenes video shows M25 bridge demolition before ‘unprecedented’ closure
A behind-the-scenes M25 video released by National Highways shows details of bridge demolition work in March that led to an unprecedented first full weekend closure of the motorway in Surrey. This was part of the ongoing GBP317million improvement project at the Wisley Interchange and was shared ahead of the motorway's next full closure in May. The earlier closure (March 15-18) was the first time the M25[1] was shut in this way since opening in 1986.
It was done to allow for the demolition of the Clearmount bridleway bridge and the installation of a new gantry, which could not be done safely with live traffic. The Wisley Interchange improvement scheme also includes work on the A3 - photos of the demolition in February can be found here[2] . A total of five M25 closures are planned in 2024 with the next confirmed in May[3] from 9pm on Friday, May 10 until 6am on Monday, May 13.
The M25 will shut in May between Junction 9 at the A243 for Leatherhead and Junction 10 for the A3 at Wisley. It was previously closed between the A3 at Junction 10 to the A320 for Chertsey at Junction 11 for the demolition of the Clearmount bridge. Click here to find all you need to know about the next M25 closure[7] .[5][6]
The March demolition
The Clearmount bridleway bridge was demolished during the first full weekend closure of the M25 (March 15-18). Other works were also planned along the closed section of the motorway, including the installation of a new gantry.
A view across the Clearmount bridleway bridge on the M25 days before it was demolished (Image: SurreyLive)
A video of the work taken at the location now shows how lengths of timber were used to form a bed that protected the carriageway from damage and falling debris.
It shows excavators and various pieces of heavy machinery in the area, including cranes. The metal railings that had lined the bridge were first torn down by workers on the road below. A total of six excavators were used in various capacities throughout, with four on the carriageway - two on either side of the bridge - and two on top of the embankment - one at either end of the bridge.
These dug into and removed the concrete until supporting wires and later metal beams were uncovered. Jets of water were used to spray a mist into the air to keep dust generated to a minimum.
The Clearmount bridleway bridge was demolished during the unprecedented first full closure of the M25 in March (Image: National Highways)
Debris is seen falling onto the timber below, though the road surface remains protected. Workers concentrate on the ends of the bridge structure and the central section close to the central reservation support.
The final bits of the bridge concrete are removed in the daylight as 'claw' attachments are used to tear away the final bits of material. The metal beams are then cut and lifted away by a crane. The rumble and debris are loaded up into trucks and driven away.
An aerial shot shows just the central support column remained before that too was removed.
The timber was cleared away and the road was cleaned before it reopened to motorists earlier than initially planned.
Get more news from SurreyLive straight to your inbox for free here.[8]
References
- ^ M25 (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ photos of the demolition in February can be found here (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ next confirmed in May (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ M25 closure dates 2024: Everything you need to know from ULEZ advice to diversion routes (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Leatherhead (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Chertsey (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ Click here to find all you need to know about the next M25 closure (www.getsurrey.co.uk)
- ^ here. (www.getsurrey.co.uk)