The M6 has reopened after a 200ft 140-tonne footbridge was demolished overnight.
Lane closures began at 5pm on Saturday and the stretch of motorway between junction 13 and 14 in Stafford was completely shut from 8pm.
Both directions were reopened at 7.30am today.
Burton Bank footbridge, north of junction 13, had to be removed as part of Highways England's plans to turn the M6 into a 'smart motorway'.
A 17-mile stretch of the M6 between junctions 13 and 15 is being transformed to make the hard shoulder into an extra lane to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Because of the arched shape of the footbridge, HGVs wouldn't have been able to travel on the hard shoulder so it had to be removed.
The bridge contained enough concrete of fill nearly 20 tipper trucks and was successfully taken down in less than 12 hours.
Highways England smart motorways project sponsor, Peter Smith, said: “We had done everything we could to prepare for this very complex bridge demolition and I’m pleased to say the planning paid off.
“The motorway had to be shut completely while the work took place which we anticipated could take up to 18 hours. We were delighted to be able to open the motorway in both directions by 7.30am and get traffic moving again.
“We want to thank anyone who had their journeys affected by this important work for their understanding.”
Motorists from as far away as Dover and Carlisle received warnings about the disruptive works and to take alternative routes to try and avoid traffic chaos overnight.
Creswell Home Farm bridge, just north of junction 14, was also demolished as part of the smart motorway works last year.
Viking Sky cruise ship passengers airlifted to safety speak of 'frightening experience'
