A landmark bridge was demolished over the weekend as part of a £174million road project.

Woodlands Bridge over the M3 near Windlesham used to carry Woodlands Lane over the M3 between junction 2 (for the M25) and junction 3 (at Lightwater). It will be rebuilt next year as the M3 is upgraded.

The scheme is designed to reduce congestion as well as make journeys faster and more reliable on this vital route. This section of the M3 is used to make more than 130,000 journeys every day and drivers will benefit from an extra lane in both directions - increasing capacity by a third.

The demolition was scheduled to take place during a full closure of the M3 at the weekend.

The road closed at 9pm on Friday and reopened around three hours earlier than scheduled on Monday.

Woodlands Bridge was constructed in the early 1970s and its condition has deteriorated in recent years, requiring a weight and width restriction over the bridge. Woodlands Lane over the bridge closed to traffic on 28 October, with traffic diverted via nearby Highams Road.

Its replacement is being constructed as part of the M3 junction 2-4a smart motorway project, and is expected to be open by winter 2017.

For the latest information and to register for updates about the M3 smart motorway scheme, visit http://roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/m3-junctions-2-4a-smart-motorway/ or call the Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000.