Cranes lift M6 bridge into place

Four giant cranes will be used to lift a motorway bridge back into place on the M6 in Lancashire on Saturday.

The bridge, between junctions 26 and 27 near Shevington, has been heightened to allow for high-sided lorries to pass easily underneath.

It was dismantled earlier this year, along with a nearby footbridge at Vicarage, and renovated in Leyland.

The four-mile stretch of motorway will close at 2200 BST on Saturday until 0800 BST on Sunday.

The Highways Agency is warning drivers to allow extra time for their journeys.

Project manager, Paul Hupton, said: "The cranes will be lifting the final bridge into position this weekend, making it necessary to close the motorway overnight.

"Each bridge comes in two sections, requiring four cranes to manoeuvre them into position.

"Work is being done overnight and at weekend to minimise disruption to drivers, but it will mean the M6 is completely closed with a well signed diversion route.

"Drivers are urged to allow extra time for their journey because of the diversion."