Dramatic photos show the moment bridge over the M27 is destroyed by diggers

Excavators have been ripping apart the bridge over the M27 between Junction 3 and Junction 4 near Southampton.

Teams of engineers spent all weekend using hydraulic gear to demolish the eastern half of the bridge - built in 1974.

Roadworks were taking place to finish the final stage of the £19m project to replace the old Romsey Road bridge.

It saw motorists facing a huge 55-mile diversion over the weekend while the operation was taking place.

The motorway was meant to be closed until 6am today but was opened at 11.30pm last night – six-and-half hours ahead of schedule.

The new bridge will last for the next 120 years.

Andrew Winson, project manager for Highways England – which carried out the work – said: ‘The demolition of the old Romsey Road bridge is a vital milestone in this project on this key route between Portsmouth and Southampton.

‘We opened 6.5 hours ahead of schedule, which is a phenomenal achievement and testament to the hard work of the team and all contractors working on the demolition.

‘I would like to thank drivers, businesses and residents for their patience throughout as we completed this important work.’

While the motorway was closed, Highways England took the opportunity to carry out routine maintenance along the route.

Sweeping and cleaning, structural inspections and crash barrier repairs were carried out on the M27, while technology work took place at Chilworth Drove Bridge.