Skip to main content

VIDEO – demolition of UK’s M1 motorway overpass

April 17, 2015
Specialist contractor Armac recently demolished a bridge over the UK’s busy M1 motorway. The work was carried out within a tight timeframe as this important route could only be closed for a short period at night over a weekend when traffic would be at its lightest so as to minimise disruption.

Equipment was used initially to prepare the site, so as to reduce the risk to the surrounding area. Blast curtains were set in place so as to minimise the spread of debris, before the charges were activated. With the bridge then demolished by the blast, a fleet of excavators with demolition attachments was then brought in to cut up the wreckage and reduce the rubble to a manageable size, allowing it to be transported away.

Video footage has finally emerged of Armac’s spectacular bridge implosion over the M1 motorway which took place a few weeks back.

This silent movie from the 2309 Highways Agency uses time-lapse to capture the preparation and the blast before the work really starts with around with something like 10 excavators cutting up and processing the fallen bridge deck.

The “Bridge Busters” then deploy a veritable fleet of equipment to clear the site in readiness for the reopening of Junction 19.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Clever electric solution for embankment stabilisation
    August 28, 2013
    A highly innovative solution for road embankment stabilisation has helped save costs by up to 30% over conventional techniques. Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald has used electrical current to stabilise embankments on a busy UK dual carriageway, avoiding disruption to motorists, cutting carbon by 40% and costs by 30%, and producing zero waste When slope failure was detected on embankments carrying the popular A21 dual carriageway, Balfour Beatty Mott MacDonald pioneered a novel technique to tackle the prob
  • Towards sustainable mobility
    April 12, 2012
    Tony Marshall, Director at Arup, looks at ways in which the company encourages sustainable mobility.From policy and systems development through to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects, he reviews Arup's global project experiences and research programmes. Space on roads throughout the modern world is decreasing as the volume of cars and road users increases. How can mobility be safeguarded without compromising quality of life or environmental well-being? As engineers, we have a responsib
  • Towards sustainable mobility
    February 20, 2012
    Tony Marshall, Director at Arup, looks at ways in which the company encourages sustainable mobility. From policy and systems development through to the design and execution of major infrastructure projects, he reviews Arup's global project experiences and research programmes
  • Dowel bar drilling selection poses challenges
    January 11, 2013
    Pneumatic concrete dowel drills have one purpose – to drill holes. While their intended use is easy to recognize, operation of this equipment isn’t quite so simple. In fact, it’s a bit of a science. That’s not to say they’re difficult to operate. But there are certain best practices and processes to keep in mind for proper drill operation, whether it’s an on-grade, slab-rider or equipment-mounted model. Operators who adopt these guidelines and implement them on every job are rewarded with better performance