The incredible bridge that's the longest in UK and stops traffic chaos on major motorway
This bridge may not be the most glamorous but it is a vital piece of infrastructure - and is a core part of the local commuter network.
M6 motorway: Aerial views show key highway in Birmingham
The UK's longest bridge plays a crucial role in reducing traffic at a major motorway junction.
The Bromford Viaduct, which spans an impressive 5,600 metres, is a familiar sight for those who regularly use the M6 in Birmingham.
Viaducts, while technically bridges, are primarily designed to connect two points of similar height, facilitating the flow of rail and road traffic.
Constructed between 1964 and 1972, this elevated bridge stretches over three and a half miles - making it the longest in the country.
It carries the M6 motorway between Castle Bromwich and Gravelly Hill along the River Tame valley in Birmingham.
The M6, at 231 miles, holds the title of the UK's longest motorway. It extends from Catthorpe, junction 19 on the M1, all the way to the Scottish Border.
Between 2012 and 2014, the stretch of motorway along the viaduct was upgraded to a smart motorway system, featuring variable speed limits.
In 2022, National Highways completed a complex £1.5m repair programme on the concrete foundations beneath the viaduct.
This involved excavating land around the base of the damaged concrete columns, which had been affected by water damage.
The Prince of Wales Bridge, the UK's second longest bridge, spans the River Severn, providing a vital link between England and Wales. Completed in 1996, it was designed to alleviate traffic on the Severn Bridge.
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Meanwhile, the Grade I listed Tarr Steps, a "clapper bridge" located between Withypool and Dulverton in Somerset, holds the title of the oldest bridge in the UK.
This medieval marvel, which stretches 55m across the River Barle in Exmoor National Park, is constructed from enormous stones.
However, the ancient structure has not been without its challenges. It had to undergo repairs after the central section was washed away by floods in the winter of 1941-1942.
Further damage occurred in 2012, 2016 and 2017.
To protect the bridge, steel cables have been installed upriver to minimise the amount of debris reaching it.
