One of the biggest cranes in the country was brought in to install the Newtown Road bridge in Ashford.

People turned out to watch as the old bridge was removed and new one put in its place at the weekend.

The work is taking place to allow single-decker buses, as part of a planned park and ride scheme, and fast buses as part of a proposed SMARTLINK scheme, to pass underneath.

Jamie Watson, project manager, Kent Highway Services said: “This major task ran very smoothly.

“A temporary speed restriction of 40mph is currently in place, as is standard practice for the first few weeks after new ballast has been put down.”

Work to the bridge is due to finish in November. The total cost of the project is estimated to be in the region of £3.8m.