The M20 has reopened after the pedestrian bridge collapsed yesterday.

Highways England officials announced at about 7pm this evening that the remaining lane closure on the M20 east-bound had been removed and all lanes were open on both carriageways.

The M26 has also reopened in both directions, with traffic easing this evening.

Speed limits of 50mph will be in force between J2-J4 for the time being.

Catherine Brookes, Highways England’s chief highway engineer said: “Safety is our top priority. While we concentrated on reopening the road as soon as possible to help drivers, it was imperative this was done safely.

"We are now making the final preparations to be able to lift the remaining closures safely.

“The 50mph speed limit is being introduced while until work to remove the rest of the footbridge is complete. We urge drivers to respect the limit for their safety and that of other road users, and thank them for their patience as we carried out this essential work.”

The footbridge between J3 and J4 was brought down yesterday when it was struck by a lorry carrying a digger on the hard shoulder just after 12pm.

At least 170 tonnes of rubble from the fallen sections has now been cut up and removed using two heavy-duty cranes and repairs to the road surface are completed.

Overnight inspections have been made of the remaining elevated section of the footbridge. These have shown the structure to be safe. and it remains hanging over the coastbound carriageway.

The operation to remove it will be done in the coming weeks.

Earlier, Dez Leach, of Highways England, said: "There is obviously a very complex recovery situation here on the bridge and the motorway as well as all the vehicles still in situ.

"They have now managed to clear all the vehicles apart from the digger which you can still see behind me on the hard shoulder and also the bridge which cranes are lifting right this moment as we speak.

"It would appear we may be able to upon the motorway with the remaining sections of the bridge still in place.

"It was built in sections and was designed to be free standing but that is all subject to the engineer's report.

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