Video shows demolition of bridge on A38

Highways England has released video footage that shows the demolition of a bridge over the A38 near Plymouth.

The old Merafield Bridge at Plympton was demolished overnight on Saturday (14 May), marking the final stage of a £6.3 million maintenance project on the A38.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x7W1p1yXZE

A new bridge, which was built alongside the old, was opened two weeks ago.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “It’s vital that we replace out-of-date infrastructure so we can keep traffic moving and I am pleased Highways England has delivered this new bridge over the A38 on time and on budget.

“As well as tackling congestion, our investment in England’s motorways and major A-roads is about keeping communities connected through projects like this.”

The old bridge was demolished on Saturday night and was spectacularly captured on camera by the demolition team.

Approximately 50kgs of explosives were used, contained within 278 drilled locations concentrated around the supporting piers and the abutments at each end.

The new concrete bridge is 80 metres long, 11.3 metres wide and made of 2,503 tonnes of concrete and 401 tonnes of steel.

Highways England south west regional director, Andrew Page-Dove, said: “This was a big project that needed extensive planning to ensure traffic around Plymouth was kept flowing smoothly and the vital A38 transport link between Devon, Plymouth and South East Cornwall was maintained.

“We worked closely with Plymouth City Council, the Plymouth and Devon Chamber of Commerce and local businesses to ensure we got the traffic management right and we are very grateful for all the support we’ve received.”