A BRIDGE weighing more than 2,500 tons has come crashing down in an impressive explosion.

The legs of the Woodlands Lane Bridge were blown apart, sending the entire concrete structure smashing into thousands of pieces.

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While the demolition of the bridge, which stretches about 88metres, was planned, the explosion was jaw-dropping.

The bridge, which was built in the early 1970s, was surrounded by black protective sheets which got blown apart in the explosion.

Huge clouds of dust are sent billowing into the air.

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The structure was brought down at 5am on Saturday morning, November 19.

But it is expected to be replaced by a new bridge as part of the ongoing M3 smart motorway works.

The motorway was closed over the weekend for the explosion.

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The impressive explosion is in stark contrast to the planned detonation of the Arkansas bridge - which stayed standing after several attempts.

Meanwhile, police were left red faced in August this year when they blew up a suspicious package - that turned out to be a pesto sandwich.

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