Bridge for bypass lifted into place by crane

The crane meant engineers could quickly and safely install the rail bridge's main structure

A bridge which is the final major structure on a new stretch of road has been lifted in place.

A specialist crane, which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the UK, was used to lift the 157ft (48m) structure of the bridge into place.

It will be part of the new 4.4-mile (7km) North & East Melton Distributor Road (NEMMDR) scheme and crosses the Birmingham to Peterborough rail line at Lag Lane to the east of Melton.

The bridge is the fourth and final major structure on the NEMMDR route, following completion of two 49ft (15m) long road bridges and a 177ft (54m) long bridge over the River Eye by contractors for Leicestershire County Council last year.

The bridge crosses a rail line that connects Birmingham and Peterborough

Ozzy O'Shea, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "This is an important milestone in a large-scale county council road project - we're focussed on completing the remaining work, bringing us even closer to opening the NEMMDR to the public.

"This new route will enable huge reductions in town centre traffic, improved air quality and greater access to employment and economic growth. It's a crucial investment for the busy, growing town of Melton Mowbray."

The project is being delivered by Galliford Try on behalf of the county council.

Elizabeth Bell, operations director for Galliford Try's infrastructure business, said: "The fantastic collaboration between all involved demonstrates why the MMDR project is becoming an exemplar for our business, and we look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders to complete the scheme."